President Yoweri Museveni hosted Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Felix Tshisekedi in Entebbe on October 30, 2024.
The two leaders discussed strategies to bolster peace and security across their shared border while committing to expand economic ties that promise mutual benefits for both nations and the broader East African region.
At the invitation of Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, His Excellency Felix Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, arrived in Uganda for a working visit on October 30, 2024. The DRC President, accompanied by a delegation of ministers and senior officials, was welcomed warmly at State House, Entebbe, where bilateral discussions centered on two critical issues: regional security and economic cooperation.
The talks come at a pivotal time, as both Uganda and the DRC face shared security challenges from insurgent groups in the Great Lakes region, where instability has impacted communities and trade. President Museveni and President Tshisekedi expressed a unified commitment to counteract these threats through joint security efforts, emphasizing that a stable region is foundational to economic progress. They reaffirmed that peace along the Uganda-DRC border is essential for sustaining the wellbeing of their citizens and maintaining a conducive environment for development.
Security, however, was not the only focus of these discussions. With Uganda and the DRC already trading partners, both presidents underscored the need to strengthen economic and commercial ties further. Tshisekedi and Museveni acknowledged that increased trade between their countries can stimulate local economies, create job opportunities, and drive inclusive growth that benefits communities on both sides of the border. By fostering greater collaboration in sectors such as agriculture, mining, and infrastructure, they aim to position the region as a more competitive economic hub within East Africa.
In recent years, Uganda has made significant investments in cross-border infrastructure projects, including road construction to enhance trade routes with the DRC. President Museveni highlighted that such projects exemplify Uganda’s commitment to facilitating smoother trade flows, which not only boost economic exchanges but also connect the two nations culturally and socially. President Tshisekedi welcomed these efforts, reiterating his vision for a connected region where the movement of goods and people is seamless.
As Uganda and the DRC strengthen their partnership, their coordinated efforts could inspire similar collaborations across the region, enhancing regional trade networks and tackling security threats more cohesively. The East African Community (EAC), of which Uganda is a member and the DRC a recent entrant, stands to benefit as these partnerships add resilience and stability to the region’s collective aspirations for prosperity.
As the two Heads of State concluded their meeting, they committed to continuous dialogue and collaboration to address both present challenges and future opportunities.
