Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have signed six new bilateral agreements aimed at deepening cooperation in trade, security, diplomacy, and tourism, as both countries seek to strengthen ties in the Great Lakes region.
The agreements were signed during the 9th session of the Joint Standing Committee held in Kampala, where Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi visited ahead of the swearing-in ceremony of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni.
The Memoranda of Understanding cover key areas including cross-border trade facilitation, joint security operations, infrastructure connectivity, diplomatic cooperation, and tourism development. Officials say the deals are designed to improve people-to-people relations and promote regional stability.
Uganda’s State House described the agreements as a major step toward strengthening economic integration and peace-building efforts in the region, particularly in areas affected by long-standing insecurity.
Trade between the two neighbours continues to grow significantly, with the DRC remaining Uganda’s largest export market. According to Uganda’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, bilateral trade between both countries is now valued at around one billion US dollars, with Uganda’s exports to the DRC exceeding 800 million dollars in the 2025/2026 period.
Security cooperation was also a major focus of the talks. Since 2021, Uganda and the DRC have been jointly conducting Operation Shujaa, a military campaign targeting the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a rebel group linked to the Islamic State that operates in eastern Congo.
Both governments reaffirmed their commitment to intensifying coordinated military efforts in response to renewed ADF attacks, which have continued to threaten civilians and destabilize border communities.
Analysts say the new agreements reflect a broader effort by Kampala and Kinshasa to balance economic cooperation with security challenges in one of Africa’s most volatile regions, where armed groups, cross-border crime, and resource competition remain persistent concerns.
Officials from both sides expressed optimism that the latest agreements will not only boost trade and investment but also contribute to long-term peace and stability in the Great Lakes region.
