President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is in Dar es Salaam for a two-day working visit aimed at consolidating the strong bilateral partnership between Uganda and Tanzania, with a sharp focus on energy cooperation, trade facilitation, infrastructure, and East African Community (EAC) integration.
The Ugandan leader arrived at Julius Nyerere International Airport on Wednesday, August 5, at the invitation of Tanzanian President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan. He was received by Tanzania’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, Uganda’s High Commissioner to Tanzania, Col. (Rtd) Fred Mwesigye, and other senior officials. A guard of honour and traditional cultural performances marked the ceremonial welcome before the President proceeded to his official residence in the Tanzanian capital.
This marks President Museveni’s second official visit to Tanzania this year, following a February engagement during which the two leaders committed to accelerating key cross-border projects. In a statement on his arrival, Museveni underscored the historical and fraternal foundations of the relationship.
“Uganda and Tanzania have enjoyed excellent relations over the years, founded on our common history, Pan-African ideals, and commitment to regional integration,” the President said. “I look forward to productive engagements that will further strengthen our cooperation for the prosperity of our two countries and the East African region.”
According to official briefings from both State House Uganda and Tanzania’s Directorate of Presidential Communications, the two Heads of State are scheduled to hold bilateral talks covering trade and investment, energy, infrastructure and transport, tourism, defence and security, and broader regional integration within the EAC. They are also expected to review progress on resolutions from the Fifth Session of the Tanzania-Uganda Joint Permanent Commission held in March 2026.
A key highlight of the visit is the anticipated signing of Memoranda of Understanding, including one on energy cooperation. Central to the discussions is the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), the 1,443-kilometre heated pipeline that will transport Ugandan crude from Hoima to the port of Tanga in Tanzania. Officials have previously indicated strong progress on the project, with construction advancing significantly and first oil exports targeted for early 2027.
Beyond EACOP, the agenda includes exploration of a proposed natural gas pipeline from Tanzania to Uganda, refined petroleum products infrastructure, port expansion at Dar es Salaam, Tanga and Mtwara, and railway connectivity initiatives designed to lower transport costs and boost regional trade.
The visit comes at a time when both countries are prioritising practical economic integration. Analysts note that closer collaboration on energy and logistics positions Tanzania as a critical export corridor for Uganda while creating jobs and investment opportunities on both sides of the border. EACOP alone has already generated thousands of jobs, the majority of them for Tanzanians.
President Museveni was seen off at Entebbe International Airport by Vice President Jessica Alupo, Minister for the Presidency Babirye Milly Babalanda, and Head of Public Service Lucy Nakyobe. The two leaders are expected to address a joint press briefing later during the visit.
As the talks unfold today, the outcomes are likely to send a clear signal of the continued strategic alignment between Kampala and Dar es Salaam — two key players whose cooperation remains vital to the success of East African integration and shared prosperity.