Uganda and Zambia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, with a renewed focus on trade, tourism, investment and infrastructure development to promote shared economic growth.
The commitment was reaffirmed during a bilateral courtesy meeting between Uganda’s High Commissioner to Zambia, H.E. Col. (Rtd.) Fred Mwesigye, and Zambia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Mulambo Haimbe, on the sidelines of the 20th Ordinary Session of the Regional Inter-Ministerial Committee of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) in Lusaka.
The meeting, held at the InterContinental Hotel, focused on consolidating the longstanding bonds of friendship and solidarity between the two countries while exploring opportunities to expand economic cooperation.
Mwesigye congratulated Haimbe on the successful conclusion of the elections and his appointment, reaffirming Uganda’s commitment to working closely with Zambia to strengthen the historical ties between the two sister countries.
He emphasised the need to translate the cordial diplomatic relations into tangible economic gains through increased trade, tourism, investment and infrastructure connectivity, noting that stronger economic ties would contribute to shared prosperity and regional integration.
The High Commissioner also recalled the invitation extended by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to his Zambian counterpart, President Hakainde Hichilema, to undertake an official visit to Uganda in November 2026.
He further highlighted the forthcoming Uganda–Zambia Joint Permanent Commission (JPC), scheduled to take place in Uganda in November 2026, as a key platform for strengthening bilateral cooperation and addressing issues of mutual interest.
In response, Haimbe welcomed the engagement and commended the cordial relations between the two countries, reaffirming Zambia’s commitment to deepening the longstanding partnership.
He pledged to follow up on the invitation to President Hichilema and communicate through established diplomatic channels. He also confirmed Zambia’s readiness to participate in the forthcoming JPC meetings in Uganda.
The commission is expected to provide an opportunity for both countries to review existing areas of cooperation, address outstanding bilateral issues and identify new avenues for collaboration.
Both sides underscored the importance of economic diplomacy in unlocking trade and investment opportunities, advancing joint initiatives and ensuring that bilateral cooperation delivers meaningful benefits to their citizens.
The meeting reaffirmed Uganda and Zambia’s shared resolve to build on their historical ties through practical cooperation aimed at promoting sustainable economic growth, regional integration and prosperity for their peoples.
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