By Caroline. N.
The Government of the Republic of Uganda will host the Second Session of the Uganda-Somalia Joint Permanent Commission (JPC), alongside an Investment and Business Summit, from 7’–8 October 2025 at Mestil Hotel, Kampala. The event will be held under the theme: “Promoting Uganda-Somalia Partnership through Investment, Trade, and Tourism, and Harnessing Opportunities in Both Countries.”
The announcement was made during a media launch at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters. The summit will convene senior government officials, business leaders, and private sector representatives from both countries to review progress in bilateral cooperation and explore new trade and investment opportunities.
In his welcoming remarks, H.E. Prof. Sam Tulya Muhika, Head of Mission at the Uganda Embassy in Somalia, noted that one of the summit’s objectives is to raise awareness amongst Ugandan private sector players about business and investment opportunities in Somalia. He observed that while Ugandans actively engage with Somalia, reciprocal business involvement remains limited.
H.E. Tulya Muhika highlighted the longstanding ties between the two nations, dating back to the Somali community’s presence in Uganda since the 1920s. He also reflected on Uganda-Somalia relations, including the establishment of a permanent mission in 2014 and the 2016 framework agreement that allows individual MDAs to sign Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) for cooperation under the oversight of the JPC.
He recalled the achievements of the previous JPC, such as the creation of the Joint Permanent Council for Trade and Investment, and outlined the agenda for the current session, reviewing the implementation of agreements signed in 2022, covering defence, trade, and diplomatic cooperation and concluding new MoUs on Immigration Management, Education and Sports, and a Bilateral Labour Agreement.
H.E. Tulya Muhika emphasised that the Investment and Business Summit, to be graced by H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of Uganda, and H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of Somalia, will offer a platform for the private sector and government to;showcase products and services through exhibitions, participate in Business-to-Business (B2B) sessions and address challenges to doing business and explore access to broader markets, including the Gulf region.
He stressed the importance of fostering balanced investment between the two countries, noting that while Uganda has existing investments in Somalia, the primary goal is to raise awareness of opportunities in both directions.
Amb. Abdi Latif Ali, Deputy Ambassador of Somalia to Uganda, expressed gratitude to the JPC, describing the meetings as a reflection of deep bilateral ties. He acknowledged Uganda’s support during Somalia’s difficult periods and recalled Somalia’s backing of Uganda’s stability in the 1970s.
Amb. Ali noted that the 2016 framework agreement established the foundation for the JPC, whose first session was held in Kampala in 2022. He added that new MoUs will open avenues in education, migration, and labour, alongside agreements in security, health, and refugee affairs. He also highlighted trade opportunities, such as the potential for Ugandan avocados to reach Somali markets at higher prices, and confirmed Somalia’s Chamber of Commerce will participate in the Summit.
Representing the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Richard Kabonero, Head of Regional Economic Cooperation, thanked both missions for their efforts toward the JPC. He noted Uganda’s expanding export base:
“In the last 15 years, Uganda has added 31 new products to its export markets, and there is no better market than our neighbours and the region.”
Amb. Kabonero encouraged media coverage to raise awareness, allowing Ugandan private sector players to showcase and trade these products. He highlighted aviation and education as areas where Uganda has a competitive advantage and noted that strong economic linkages can help mitigate security challenges.
The First Session of the Uganda-Somalia JPC was held on 7–8 August 2022 in Kampala, focusing on political, economic, and social cooperation. Key MoUs were signed on diplomatic consultations, defence, trade, investment, and chambers of commerce. On 10 August 2022, both Presidents attended an Investment and Business Summit, resulting in the Kampala Declaration on Trade, Investment, and Tourism.
Uganda and Somalia share a long-standing partnership, underpinned by political, security, and economic cooperation. Uganda has led regional peacekeeping efforts in Somalia through AMISOM, ATMIS, and AUSSOM. The two countries are now working to translate peace dividends into trade, investment, and sustainable development opportunities.