Kenya and Uganda have signed seven Memoranda of Understanding to deepen bilateral relations between the two countries.

President William Ruto said the 2nd Session of the Joint Ministerial Meeting(JMC) held from May 12 to 14 2024, in Kampala, Uganda, culminated in the signing of seven instruments of cooperation.

The President said Kenya and Uganda are firmly united by relations deeply rooted in shared history, culture, and aspirations for regional peace and prosperity.

The two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding to anchor cooperation in the Foreign Service institutions which ensures knowledge exchange and harmonisation of the structures and content of diplomatic training.

The President said that an MoU on Cooperation on Public Service Management and Development will enhance service delivery between the two nations.

“In addition to these, an MoU to facilitate cooperation in youth affairs has been signed, which enables us to optimise the capabilities of our youthful demographic group by obliging the two countries to implement Innovative national policies and programmes relevant to young people,” he said.

The President said the JMC witnessed the signing of an MoU on cooperation in sports demonstrating the seriousness both countries attach to sports promotion and development and the mobilisation of investment that unlocks the potential of the sector.

He said the MoU is more timely as the countries lay the groundwork to jointly host the 2027 edition of the African Cup of Nations tournament.

Ruto said the two countries have an instrument to guide strategic cooperation in education, training, and scientific research, as well as MOUs in the small and medium-sized enterprises sector, and gender equality and women’s empowerment.

He said the Tripartite Agreement on the Importation and Transit of Refined Petroleum Products through Kenya to Uganda enables the Uganda National Oil Company Limited to Import refined petroleum commodities directly from producer jurisdictions.