STRATEGIC discussions between President Samia Suluhu Hassan and her Ugandan counterpart Yoweri Museveni have set the stage for deepened bilateral cooperation aimed at boosting economic growth, trade, and regional integration through key infrastructure, energy and commercial projects.

The leaders, speaking to journalists following a private one-day working visit by President Museveni to Dar es Salaam at the weekend, highlighted joint initiatives in energy pipelines, rail networks, and port utilization as central pillars for enhancing trade opportunities and fostering shared prosperity between the two countries.

President Samia underscored Tanzania’s commitment to working closely with Uganda to achieve mutually beneficial development outcomes. “We held private discussions where President Museveni reminded me of our countries’ shared objectives, our historical journey to independence, and the vision we inherit from our forebears,” she said.

The presidents’ teams, including ministers and advisors, also held parallel consultations to review project implementation, assess progress, and identify steps needed to finalize ongoing initiatives.

Among the critical issues discussed was the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), designed to transport crude oil from Uganda to Tanga Port. President Samia announced that following previous agreements, the first shipment of crude oil could be dispatched as early as July.

“The first focus was on energy pipelines: the EACOP project carrying crude oil, and additional pipelines for delivering processed gas from Tanzania to Uganda and refined oil from Uganda to international markets,” she said.

The leaders also discussed leveraging these pipelines to enhance regional energy security and economic benefits, signalling a shared commitment to fully utilize the strategic corridor between the two countries.

Transport infrastructure was another major topic, with discussions on Tanzania’s ports – Dar es Salaam, Tanga and Mtwara – and their use by landlocked nations like Uganda.

President Samia noted plans to develop a railway linking Tanga to Musoma, facilitating cargo transit via Lake Victoria to Uganda. “This will ease transportation and improve access for Ugandan trade,” she said. 

Additionally, the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) extending to Isaka and Rusumuga is planned to integrate with Uganda’s networks, and discussions are underway to extend lines to Murongo to benefit trade with Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The launch of the MV Mwanza ferry was also highlighted, providing enhanced connectivity for cargo and passenger movement to Uganda.

Both presidents emphasized the importance of removing trade barriers which often restrict intra-East African commerce. President Samia stressed that while progress has been made in reducing tariffs and non-tariff barriers, some obstacles remain, often created at the operational level.

“Trade within East Africa is growing, but certain restrictions imposed by our own officials limit potential,” Samia said, noting that continuous dialogue and reforms are needed to create a truly integrated regional market.

The leaders also reaffirmed collaboration on expanding energy production for domestic consumption, reinforcing the idea that coordinated development projects could serve both nations while enhancing regional energy stability.

At the international level, Tanzania and Uganda are working closely in multilateral fora. President Samia highlighted that both countries are preparing for leadership roles in the United Nations Security Council and continental bodies, with Tanzania supporting Uganda’s continental ambitions.

President Museveni praised the bilateral discussions, framing them within the broader context of Africa’s self-reliance and development. He emphasized the continent’s potential to manage its resources effectively and strengthen diplomatic and economic solidarity.

“For too long, African nations have lacked robust strategies to safeguard against external pressures, weakening their ability to make independent decisions,” Museveni said. 

He noted that Africa possesses sufficient resources and capabilities to determine its destiny, stressing unity and shared commitment as critical to achieving this goal.