MOGADISHU, Somalia – Uganda and Somalia are strengthening bilateral cooperation, with both countries seeking to expand trade, attract investment and deepen ties in labour, aviation and security.
The discussions began on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, at the Airport Hotel in Mogadishu during the mid-term review of the Second Session of the Joint Permanent Commission (JPC). The meeting took place alongside the Somalia–Uganda Business Forum and Joint Exhibition.
Uganda’s delegation was led by Gen. Henry Tumukunde, Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, alongside Vincent Bagiire Waiswa, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The review followed the second session of the Joint Permanent Commission, held in Kampala in October 2025, where both governments agreed to strengthen cooperation across several sectors.
Speaking at the opening, Bagiire called for faster progress on outstanding commitments, including a Bilateral Air Services Agreement and proposed memoranda of understanding covering customs, standards and quality assurance, statistics and health.
He emphasised the need to translate diplomatic commitments into practical outcomes that would support economic growth and shared prosperity.
Bagiire also acknowledged the growth in trade between Uganda and Somalia but urged businesses in both countries to take greater advantage of emerging commercial opportunities.
According to United Nations Comtrade figures cited in reports on the meeting, Uganda’s exports to Somalia increased from approximately 11.4 billion Ugandan shillings in 2023 to 28 billion shillings in 2024.
However, bilateral trade remains uneven, with Somalia’s recorded exports to Uganda significantly lower. This imbalance highlights opportunities for both countries to diversify trade and expand commercial exchanges.
Somalia’s Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hamza Adan Haadoow, who co-chaired the review, called for clearer responsibilities, implementation timelines and stronger mechanisms to monitor progress.
He stressed that bilateral cooperation must move beyond agreements on paper and deliver tangible benefits to citizens in both countries.
Labour cooperation also featured prominently in the discussions, with Tumukunde highlighting the importance of regional integration in creating employment opportunities for young people.
He called for a binding bilateral labour agreement to safeguard workers’ rights and welfare while supporting labour mobility between Uganda and Somalia.
The discussions subsequently led to the signing of a Bilateral Labour Agreement on 22 October 2026 by Tumukunde and Somalia’s Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, Prof. Salim Alio Ibro.
The agreement establishes a framework for regulated employment, fair recruitment and the protection of workers’ rights in both countries. It also aims to facilitate skills exchange and create employment opportunities.
Meanwhile, the Somalia–Uganda Business Forum and Joint Exhibition brought together businesses, investors and other stakeholders to explore new markets, establish partnerships and identify opportunities in trade, tourism and investment.
Somali buyers have expressed interest in Ugandan agricultural products, including grains, maize and cassava flour, alongside long-life milk, pharmaceuticals, processed coffee and tea.
Aviation cooperation remains another priority. Uganda has urged Somalia to conclude negotiations on the Bilateral Air Services Agreement, while operational challenges facing Uganda Airlines in Somalia have also featured in discussions.
Uganda Airlines operates direct flights between Entebbe and Mogadishu, providing an important transport link for travellers and businesses between the two countries.
The business forum was held under the theme, “Harnessing Trade, Tourism and Investment Opportunities in Both Countries and Beyond.”
During the review, both governments also committed to fully establishing the Joint Permanent Investment and Business Council by 30 November 2026. The council is intended to strengthen private-sector engagement and support the implementation of bilateral commitments.
The engagements form part of broader efforts to deepen economic integration and strengthen commercial relations between Uganda and Somalia.
Both countries agreed to conduct annual reviews to monitor implementation, ahead of the Third Session of the Joint Permanent Commission, which Somalia will host in Mogadishu in 2027.
