Uganda and Tanzania Leaders Hold Talks to Strengthen Ties
The presidents of Uganda and Tanzania have held important talks in Dar es Salaam to improve cooperation between their two countries. The meeting took place at State House on Saturday and focused on trade, infrastructure, and peace in the region.
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan hosted Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni. Both leaders said their discussions were aimed at strengthening the long-standing relationship between the two neighbouring countries.
They noted that Uganda and Tanzania have shared strong ties since the 1960s, when both countries gained independence from Britain. Over the years, they have worked closely together on political, economic, and security issues.
One major topic of the talks was the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) Project. President Hassan said the construction of the pipeline is progressing well, and oil transport is expected to start in July.
The pipeline, which will cost about $5 billion, is designed to carry crude oil from Uganda’s oil fields to Tanzania’s port of Tanga on the Indian Ocean. It will be electrically heated to allow thick crude oil to flow easily through it.
Both leaders described the project as a symbol of the strong partnership between Uganda and Tanzania. They said it shows how African countries can work together on big development projects.
The presidents also discussed plans to connect their railway systems, build more pipelines for natural gas and petroleum, and reduce trade barriers between the two countries. These steps are meant to make it easier and cheaper to move goods and services across their borders.
President Museveni’s visit to Tanzania comes just a few weeks after he won a seventh term in office in Uganda. His re-election followed elections that were closely contested and widely debated.
The visit was also special because it was the first time a foreign head of state had visited Tanzania since President Hassan was re-elected in October 2026 after a disputed election.
Both leaders said they are committed to working together to promote peace, stability, and economic growth in East Africa. They believe stronger cooperation between Uganda and Tanzania will benefit not only their two countries but the entire region. The meeting ended with both presidents agreeing to continue regular talks and joint projects to deepen friendship and development between the two nations.
