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International trade

Uganda and US Strengthen Cooperation on Migration, Trade, and Regional Security

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio have strengthened ties between their countries, discussing opportunities for cooperation in migration, trade, and regional security. The talks mark a new phase in efforts to restore relations strained in recent years. The US and Uganda are exploring a temporary agreement to host certain asylum seekers, excluding individuals with criminal records and unaccompanied minors. The agreement follows the US's confirmation of a suspension of Uganda from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) in 2023, which significantly impacted Uganda's exports to the US.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US and Uganda are discussing a temporary agreement to host certain asylum seekers, excluding individuals with criminal records and unaccompanied minors.
  • The agreement is under negotiation between the two governments and follows the US's confirmation of a suspension of Uganda from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) in 2023.
  • The suspension of AGOA eligibility affected Ugandan exports to the US, including coffee, vanilla, fish, and textiles, dealing a significant blow to farmers and manufacturers.
  • President Museveni and Secretary Rubio discussed "opportunities to deepen U.S.-Uganda cooperation on migration, reciprocal trade, and commercial ties."
  • Uganda's exports to the US were valued at over $200 million in 2022.
  • Kampala is lobbying for renewed American investment in agro-processing, oil and gas, and infrastructure sectors.
  • Uganda remains one of the largest troop contributors to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and has played a frontline role in stabilisation missions in eastern Congo.

Statistics:

  • Uganda's exports to the US were valued at over $200 million in 2022.
  • The US has suspended Uganda from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) eligibility in 2023.
  • Uganda is seeking renewed American investment in the agro-processing sector.
  • Uganda contributes significantly to regional peace efforts, with a major role in the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and stabilisation missions in eastern Congo.

Sources:

  • Statement by US Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott
  • Foreign Affairs Ministry Permanent Secretary Vincent Bagiire
  • Ugandan officials quoted in the article

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