DRC, Uganda Sign New Agreements on Trade, Security, and Infrastructure

ENTEBBE, Uganda — President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo of the Democratic Republic of Congo concluded a high-level official visit to Uganda on May 11, 2026, marked by renewed commitments on regional security, economic integration, infrastructure development, and cross-border cooperation between the two neighboring nations.

According to the Joint Communiqué released following the meeting at State House Entebbe, Presidents Félix Tshisekedi and Yoweri Museveni held what both sides described as “cordial and productive talks” focused on defense and security cooperation, economic integration, and major infrastructure projects linking the two countries.

The visit followed the 9th Session of the Uganda–DRC Joint Permanent Commission held in Kampala from May 8 to 10, which brought together ministers, senior officials, and diplomats from both governments to review bilateral cooperation and strengthen historical ties between Kinshasa and Kampala.

Security Cooperation and Operation Shujaa

One of the central pillars of the discussions was security cooperation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Both Heads of State commended the progress of joint military operations under Operation Shujaa, aimed at neutralizing armed groups destabilizing eastern Congo and restoring security in affected areas.

The communiqué stated that the two leaders reaffirmed their continued cooperation and support for regional peace initiatives led by the African Union and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR).

The leaders also emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability along the common border areas of North Kivu and Ituri provinces, regions that have remained heavily affected by armed conflict and insecurity.

Infrastructure and Economic Integration

On the economic front, Presidents Tshisekedi and Museveni expressed satisfaction with the progress of several joint infrastructure projects, particularly the Kasindi–Beni–Butembo road corridor, considered vital for regional connectivity and trade between the two countries.

The two governments also agreed to accelerate efforts aimed at eliminating non-tariff barriers and simplifying customs procedures at key border crossings, including Mpondwe and Goli.

In a significant step toward regional integration, both sides committed to advancing discussions aimed at removing visa requirements between the DRC and Uganda, with the objective of achieving substantial progress within the next three months.

The Congolese government further pledged to fast-track reciprocal visa waiver procedures for Ugandan nationals by August 31, 2026, following Uganda’s earlier visa exemption measures for Congolese citizens.

Energy, Trade, and Industrial Cooperation

The discussions also focused on the sustainable management of transboundary natural resources along the Albertine Graben, including Lakes Albert and Edward.

The two leaders examined opportunities for joint ventures in: energy, hydrocarbons, cross-border electrification, agriculture, food security, and industrialization.

Several Memoranda of Understanding and cooperation agreements were signed during the Joint Permanent Commission in sectors including: trade, ICT, tourism, transport, search-and-rescue operations, public administration, export promotion, and free-zone cooperation.

Officials from both countries described the agreements as important steps toward boosting trade and strengthening regional economic integration within the East African Community framework.

Museveni and Tshisekedi Reaffirm Regional Partnership

President Tshisekedi expressed gratitude to President Museveni, the Ugandan government, and the Ugandan people for what he described as warm hospitality extended to him and the Congolese delegation.

For his part, President Museveni thanked Tshisekedi for the visit, saying it reinforced the shared destiny of both nations and the broader Great Lakes region.

The communiqué concluded by announcing that the 10th Session of the Uganda–DRC Joint Permanent Commission will be held in Kinshasa in May 2028.

The visit reflects growing strategic cooperation between Kinshasa and Kampala as both countries seek to address regional security challenges while expanding trade, infrastructure connectivity, and economic integration across East and Central Africa.

Download the Joint Communiqué file