REPUBLIC OF UGANDA

REMARKS BY HON. GEN. ABUBAKHAR ODONGO JEJE

MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA AT THE UGANDA-TANZANIA JPC

19TH JANUARY 2022, SHERATON HOTEL

Hon. Amb. Liberata Mulamula, Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation of the United Republic of Tanzania,

Honourable Ministers from the United Republic of Tanzania,

Colleague Ministers from the Republic of Uganda,

High Commissioners, 

Permanent Secretaries, 

Ladies and Gentlemen

I wish to take this opportunity to welcome the delegation from the United Republic of Tanzania to Kampala, Uganda for this 4th Session of the Uganda – Tanzania JPC, Karibuni Sana!

Allow me to appreciate, all Ministries, Departments and Agencies of both Countries that made progress in implementing the agreed decisions under their mandate from the last Joint permanent commission (JPC)

Hon. Ministers and invited guests;

It is also imperative that I extend my sincere thanks to the the technical team and Senior Officials, who have worked hard for the past 2 days, to develop these draft Agreed Minutes and the actionable matrix for our consideration. 

My Permanent Secretary informed me that you had consensus almost in all areas and in those areas where there were matters of concern both parties agreed to continue engaging with a view to having them positively resolved. This I can gladly say points to the commendable excellent relations existing between our two sisterly states.

Dear colleagues and invited guests;

I am delighted to learn that both delegations have heeded to the call by our two Heads of State to work together to eliminate all Non-Tariff Barriers to facilitate trade between our two countries. Trade is an important element for our mutual growth and prosperity.

It’s also good that the two sides have agreed to appoint focal points for all MDAs in the two countries who will coordinate and follow up on issues to ensure quick and full implementation on what has been agreed.

Hon. Minister and Dear Colleagues;

 I take cognisance and, as well commend our experts for identifying new areas of engagement which will further deepen our existing cooperation.

Uganda also attaches great importance to infrastructure development, we therefore acknowledge the progress made by the United Republic of Tanzania on the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Morogoro to reach Mwanza, it will be good for Uganda if Bukasa port is completed as this will enhance connectivity and will reduce our transportation costs, increase the attractiveness of Uganda as a business hub which will go a long way in improving the lives of our people.

On the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) Project, we welcome the signing of the MoU by the Ministers of Defence of Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania in 2020, on the provision of security for the pipeline. This project is envisioned to bring in immense opportunities for both countries such as Foreign Direct Investment, Employment; skilled, semi-skilled and casual labourers; business for suppliers and service providers as well as infrastructure development in terms of service roads along the pipeline.  

Finally, I wish to reiterate Uganda’s commitment to the full implementation of the decisions of this JPC and further enhance the good relations of our two countries that will go a long way in improving the livelihoods of our citizens. 

I wish you fruitful deliberations. 

Thank you for your attention