Uganda and Tanzania have agreed to strengthen collaboration in key areas
Uganda and Tanzania have agreed to strengthen collaboration in key areas including energy development, trade facilitation, infrastructure and regional peace, following high-level talks between the two neighbours in Dar es Salaam.
The commitments were announced during a joint press briefing by Uganda’s President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan after bilateral discussions on Saturday aimed at intensifying economic ties and enhancing stability across the region.
Energy Partnership Accelerates
Energy cooperation topped the agenda as both countries reaffirmed shared commitments on cross-border energy projects. Discussions included progress on the East African Crude Oil Pipeline — a strategic infrastructure that will transport crude from Uganda’s oilfields to the Tanzanian port of Tanga — underscoring deepening integration in the energy sector.
Officials also highlighted plans to explore further energy linkages, including potential pipelines that could carry refined petroleum products and natural gas between the two countries, laying a foundation for future industrial and energy cooperation.
Boosting Trade and Infrastructure Links
In addition to energy, Uganda and Tanzania agreed to strengthen trade facilitation, improve infrastructure connectivity and enhance access for goods and services across borders. The talks covered ways to ease logistical barriers and expand utilisation of key ports such as Dar es Salaam, Tanga and Mtwara, which serve as critical gateways for Ugandan exports and imports.
Investment in transport infrastructure — including rail and maritime links — was also emphasised as essential for removing bottlenecks, reducing trade costs and stimulating economic activity on both sides.
Regional Peace and Stability Focus
Beyond economic cooperation, the leaders underscored the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the East African Community and the broader Great Lakes region. Both Presidents reiterated their commitment to collaborative security efforts aimed at addressing shared threats and promoting peaceful coexistence.
Outlook
The renewed push for cooperation comes at a time when both Uganda and Tanzania are positioning themselves as key partners in East Africa’s economic landscape, leveraging major energy projects and expanding trade opportunities to deepen regional integration.
Next steps are expected to focus on implementation frameworks, regulatory alignment and joint investment planning as both countries work to translate diplomatic commitments into tangible progress on the ground.