The 12th session of the Uganda–Rwanda Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) has opened in Kampala , bringing together officials from both countries to strengthen bilateral cooperation and review progress across key sectors. The three-day meeting, running from April 20 to April 22, 2026, is being held at Mestil Hotel in the Nsambya suburb, with delegations represented by Richard Kabonero , Head of the Ugandan delegation and Head of Regional Economic Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Teta Gisa , Director General for the Africa Department and head of the Rwandan delegation. Uganda an
The 12th session of the Uganda–Rwanda Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) has opened in Kampala, bringing together officials from both countries to strengthen bilateral cooperation and review progress across key sectors.
The three-day meeting, running from April 20 to April 22, 2026, is being held at Mestil Hotel in the Nsambya suburb, with delegations represented by Richard Kabonero, Head of the Ugandan delegation and Head of Regional Economic Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Teta Gisa, Director General for the Africa Department and head of the Rwandan delegation.
Uganda and Rwanda delegations arrive at Mestil Hotel in Kampala for the 12th Joint Permanent Commission meeting, as officials begin three days of talks to strengthen bilateral cooperation and regional integration. /X @UgandaMFA
Speaking at the opening session, Richard Kabonero, described the meeting as a critical opportunity to deepen ties.
“The framework of our cooperation was last reviewed three years ago in Kigali, and it is a testament to our desire to strengthen relations that even without the JPC, our two countries have continued to collaborate in areas such as defence and security, energy, infrastructure, local governance, and regional integration,” Kabonero said.
He noted that despite strong geographical, historical, and cultural ties, both countries must address emerging transnational challenges.
“These are problems without passports,” he said, citing pandemics, zoonotic diseases, climate change, human and wildlife trafficking, and cybercrime, while highlighting opportunities in science, innovation, technology, and aviation.
Kabonero emphasized the need for the 12th JPC to identify innovative approaches that will enhance cooperation and deliver tangible benefits to citizens in both countries.
On the Rwandan side, Teta Gisa, said the commission reflects strong political will and high expectations to deepen political and economic relations.
“Let us seize this opportunity to take stock of the progress achieved since the 11th JPC held in March 2023 in Kigali,” Gisa said. “We will review progress across key sectors including political and diplomatic consultations, trade and customs, defence and security, immigration, justice, infrastructure, energy, aviation, and ICT.”
She added that discussions will also focus on expanding cooperation in critical sectors such as health, education, agriculture, correctional services, and local government.
“Beyond reviewing progress, this session should generate tangible and implementable outcomes that respond to the aspirations of our citizens,” she said.
Trade remains a key pillar of the bilateral relationship. According to provisional figures from September 2025, Uganda’s monthly exports to Rwanda stand at approximately $22.37 million, compared to Rwanda’s exports to Uganda at about $1.2 million.
Uganda’s exports largely consist of agricultural commodities such as pineapples, Irish potatoes, mangoes, and sorghum, alongside manufactured goods including plastics and construction materials. Rwanda exports products such as sugar, cement, maize flour, as well as other agricultural and mineral goods.
The 12th session of the Joint Permanent Commission is expected to further strengthen cooperation and unlock new opportunities for both countries.
Source: Nile Post
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