Uganda and Norway Vow to Boost Trade and Cooperation at High-Level Meeting
Uganda and Norway have pledged to deepen their bilateral ties, focusing on trade, investment, and regional peacebuilding, following a productive one-day consultation meeting held at Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The discussions, co-chaired by Uganda’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, John Mulimba, and Norway’s Minister for International Cooperation, Asmund Grover Aukrust, marked a significant step toward strengthening the relationship between the two nations.
The meeting centered on key areas of mutual interest, including economic collaboration, regional security, and multilateral relations. Minister Mulimba highlighted Norway’s longstanding support for Uganda’s development initiatives, particularly in education, renewable energy, and women’s empowerment. However, he also pointed out the imbalance in bilateral trade, noting that Uganda’s exports to Norway stood at $1 million in 2024, while imports from Norway totaled $6 million. Mulimba stressed the need for joint efforts to bridge this gap and unlock the full potential of the two countries’ economic partnership.
On his part, Minister Aukrust praised Uganda’s leadership in regional peacebuilding and its commendable refugee-hosting policies, describing them as exemplary given Uganda’s strategic location in a volatile region. Both ministers emphasized the importance of inclusive dialogue among stakeholders as a cornerstone for achieving sustainable peace and stability in Africa and beyond.
The discussions also addressed United Nations reforms, with both Uganda and Norway agreeing on the need for the UN to evolve and address contemporary global challenges more effectively. This shared perspective underscores their commitment to fostering multilateral cooperation and enhancing global governance.
In a significant move to bolster economic ties, the two countries agreed to organize the Norway-Uganda Trade and Investment Summit before the end of 2027. The summit aims to attract Norwegian investments to Uganda and boost bilateral trade, creating opportunities for businesses and investors from both nations. This initiative reflects a renewed commitment to exploring untapped potential and fostering mutually beneficial economic growth.
Minister Aukrust was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Tone Tinnas, Norway’s Ambassador to Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Comoros; Kyrre Holm, Director for Africa in the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Andre Stiansen, Norway’s Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa. Their presence underscored Norway’s dedication to strengthening its engagement with Uganda and the broader East African region.
This meeting marks a new chapter in Uganda-Norway relations, setting the stage for enhanced collaboration in trade, investment, and peacebuilding. With both countries pledging to work together on shared priorities, the partnership holds promise for driving sustainable development and fostering regional stability.
As Uganda and Norway prepare to host the upcoming trade summit, stakeholders from both sides will be closely watching for concrete actions to translate these commitments into tangible outcomes.
— Reported by Nexio News
