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In an agreement that signals a strengthening of one of East Africa’s most consequential bilateral relationships, Tanzania and Uganda have signed a broad memorandum of understanding covering rail development, cross-border trade and a resolution of longstanding issues surrounding the East African Crude Oil pipeline.
The agreements were reached at the close of the 5th Session of the Joint Permanent Commission between the two countries, held in Dar es Salaam and covered cooperation across defence, energy, infrastructure, agriculture, fisheries and health. At the centre of the rail commitment is the Isaka–Lusahunga–Murongo/Kikagati–Mpondwe Standard Gauge Railway, a corridor designed to deepen regional connectivity and reduce trade costs. On energy, both sides emphasised the urgency of adequate power supply for industry and citizens.
The EACOP breakthrough was particularly significant. Uganda’s Foreign Affairs Minister John Mulimba said concerns over land matters including proposals for a joint certificate of interest had been resolved, with both countries agreeing the pipeline should proceed without delay. Land boundary issues will be addressed separately at a later stage, with both governments committed to issuing the land titles required for project implementation.
Tanzania’s Foreign Affairs Minister Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo called for swift follow-through. “Our cooperation should not only focus on agreeing on programmes and projects but also on ensuring their effective implementation, monitoring and evaluation,” said Kombo. Both sides also reaffirmed commitment to the EAC Customs Union and Common Market Protocol, with Mulimba noting that “remaining technical, humanitarian and trade barriers” are being actively addressed at the presidential level.
