In a strategic push to enhance bilateral relations, Uganda and Serbia held the first session of their Joint Commission for Trade Cooperation in the city of Nis, Serbia. The meeting saw both nations agree to revive a trade agreement initially signed in 1963 between Uganda and the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, marking a significant step towards deepening economic collaboration.
Tomislav Momirović, Serbia’s Minister of Trade, and Gen. Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, Uganda’s State Minister for Trade, inked the agreement on behalf of their respective governments. The two leaders expressed their satisfaction with the renewed partnership and voiced optimism about expanding cooperation in key sectors.
Gen. Mbadi, who led the Ugandan delegation, highlighted the historic nature of the revived agreement, pointing to the July 2023 visit of President Yoweri Museveni to Serbia as a pivotal moment. He emphasized that this visit, where Museveni met with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, was instrumental in rekindling ties between the two countries. The Ugandan delegation included officials from key ministries and government agencies, with Ambassador Elizabeth Paula Napeyok appointing Bratislav Stoiljkovic as Uganda’s Trade Envoy to Serbia.
During the session, both sides acknowledged the historical ties dating back to the era of Josip Broz Tito and reiterated their commitment to advancing trade relations based on mutual respect and benefit. Momirović stressed Serbia’s intent to work with African nations in ways that prioritize shared prosperity over resource exploitation.
Odrek Rwabwogo, Chair of Uganda’s Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID), outlined a new “Six Step Model” aimed at boosting Ugandan exports and deepening collaboration in technology and cultural exchange. He expressed gratitude to the Serbian government for revitalizing long-standing relations and highlighted the significance of Nis as the venue for the agreement.
The two nations also signed a Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) to facilitate direct flights between Uganda Airlines and Air Serbia, aimed at improving trade connectivity and fostering social and cultural relations. Tumusiime Aggrey, Uganda’s Senior Air Transport Officer, and Mirjana Cizmarov, Serbia’s Civil Aviation Director General, represented their respective ministries during the signing.
Government representatives reviewed the current economic conditions and discussed investment protection measures. The next session of the Joint Trade Commission is slated for February 2025 in Kampala, with details to be finalized through diplomatic channels.