Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni met with outgoing Tanzanian High Commissioner Major General Paul Kisesa Simuli at State House, Entebbe, to discuss the strengthening of bilateral relations and regional infrastructure. The meeting marked the conclusion of the envoy’s two-and-a-half-year diplomatic mission, during which both nations prioritized the East African Community’s integration goals and major cross-border projects.
Strengthening Regional Infrastructure and Trade
President Museveni reaffirmed his government’s commitment to improving transport corridors between Uganda and Tanzania to facilitate regional trade. A central focus of the discussion was the fast-tracking of the Masaka–Mutukula Road, a critical infrastructure project designed to link the two countries more efficiently. The President emphasized that such connectivity is essential for the economic integration of the East African region.
This infrastructure push complements the ongoing development of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP). The pipeline remains a cornerstone of the energy cooperation between Kampala and Dodoma. By connecting Uganda’s oil fields to the Tanzanian port of Tanga, the project aims to establish a shared strategic asset for energy security and regional economic growth.
Diplomatic Reflections on Development
Major General Kisesa, who first visited Uganda in 2022 for a study tour at the Senior Command and Staff College (SCSC) in Kimaka, noted significant changes in the country’s landscape upon his return as High Commissioner. He praised the government’s pace of socio-economic transformation, specifically highlighting the expansion and improvement of the national road network as a primary driver of recent progress.
The outgoing envoy expressed confidence in the future of the bilateral relationship, noting that the cooperation between the two nations has matured significantly. “I found a totally different country,” Kisesa remarked during the farewell call, acknowledging the rapid development he observed during his tenure.
Bilateral Cooperation and Future Outlook
The relationship between Uganda and Tanzania is rooted in decades of shared history and common aspirations within the East African Community. The two nations maintain close collaboration across several sectors:
- Energy Security: Continued work on the EACOP project.
- Regional Integration: Commitment to policy harmonization within the East African Community framework.
- Infrastructure Connectivity: Prioritizing road and transport corridors to lower the cost of doing business across borders.
President Museveni commended the High Commissioner for his contribution to these diplomatic efforts, noting that the brotherly ties between the two nations remain a priority for his administration. As Major General Kisesa departs, the focus remains on the continuity of these regional projects, which are expected to provide long-term economic benefits for both Ugandan and Tanzanian citizens.