UGANDA REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO REGIONAL INTEGRATION AT NORTHERN CORRIDOR MEETINGS

Uganda's Leader of delegation Ambassador Richard Kabonero has highlighted the country's commitment to regional integration and economic transformation at the ongoing Northern Corridor Integrated Projects (NCIPs) meetings in Kigali, Rwanda. Addressing the Single Customs Territory (SCT) and Immigration, Tourism, Trade and Services (ITTLS) cluster meetings, Kabonero, who serves as Uganda's National Coordinator for the NCIPs, commended Rwanda on the successful conclusion of its recent presidential elections. In his remarks, Kabonero emphasized the critical importance of eliminating trade barriers and enhancing infrastructure to facilitate smoother regional trade within the Northern Corridor. He acknowledged Rwanda's leadership in convening the meetings and the significant progress made under various projects such as the Standard Gauge Railway and ICT Infrastructure Development. Transitioning to the ITTLS cluster, Amb. Kabonero reaffirmed Uganda's commitment to the NCIPs, unpacking the cluster's directives aimed at bolstering regional integration through improved trade, immigration, tourism, and labor services. He highlighted the urgency of implementing these directives and their potential to yield substantial economic benefits for all member states. "In our pursuit of regional integration and economic transformation through the NCIPs, Uganda remains steadfast in fostering collaboration and eliminating barriers to trade. Together with our regional partners, we are committed to realizing tangible benefits that will uplift the livelihoods of our people," Kabonero said. The Uganda delegation, led by Amb. Kabonero, also includes Amb. Gen. Robert Rusoke, High Commissioner of Uganda to Rwanda, and Deputy High Commissioner Amb. Margaret Kedisi, as well as officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Uganda Revenue Authority, and the Ministry of Trade. As Uganda prepares to host upcoming meetings for other NCIPs clusters, Amb. Kabonero expressed the country's readiness to report concrete deliverables at the 15th Summit, reflecting the progress achieved since the inception of these initiatives in 2018.