Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Uganda Monitor
Published on 2024-03-03 16:55:31
President William Ruto’s recent meeting with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni was significant, considering their previous political alliance. However, recent disagreements, particularly regarding Uganda’s decision to import oil from Tanzania and the resulting lawsuit against Kenya at the East African Court of Justice (EACJ), had strained their relationship. In an effort to mend ties, President Ruto traveled to Kisozi in western Uganda to meet with President Museveni.
Accompanying President Ruto at the meeting was Raila Odinga, Kenya’s opposition leader and a potential candidate for the African Union Commission chairperson role. While the exact reason for the meeting remains speculative, sources suggest that both President Ruto and Mr. Odinga sought to engage with President Museveni on various issues, including resolving the oil import dispute, addressing the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and garnering support for Mr. Odinga’s AUC candidacy.
President Museveni’s statement following the meeting highlighted discussions on mutual interests and regional cooperation within the East African Community. President Ruto expressed optimism about finding a resolution to the oil import dispute, emphasizing the need for competitive pricing and logistical efficiency in the region.
Efforts to resolve the impasse included granting Uganda special privileges to import and schedule its own oil products, potentially involving the registration of the Uganda National Oil Company in Kenya. However, Nairobi’s conditions required Uganda to withdraw its case at the EACJ. Despite Uganda’s alternative arrangements with Tanzania for oil imports, the proximity of Kenyan ports offered a more favorable option pending resolution of the importation dispute.
On the conflict in the DRC, President Museveni pledged support for the Nairobi Process led by former president Uhuru Kenyatta, aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region. President Ruto’s appointment of Mr. Kenyatta as a peace envoy for the Great Lakes Region reflected Kenya’s commitment to facilitating the peace process in the DRC, although internal political differences between the two leaders had hindered progress.
The Kisozi meeting symbolized a potential turning point for President Ruto in his approach to regional diplomacy, emphasizing the importance of unity and integration within the East African Community. By reaffirming Kenya and Uganda’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic ties, President Ruto expressed a shared vision for closer collaboration among EAC nations towards the formation of an East African Political Federation.
In conclusion, the meeting between President Ruto, President Museveni, and Mr. Odinga signified a renewed effort to address key regional issues and enhance cooperation within the East African Community. With a focus on resolving disputes, promoting peace, and advancing regional integration, the leaders demonstrated a willingness to engage in constructive dialogue for the collective benefit of the region.
Read the original article on Uganda Monitor
