Uganda and Norway have concluded a one-day bilateral consultation meeting, with both sides agreeing to strengthen cooperation and increase trade and investment between the two countries. The meeting took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and was co-chaired by Hon. John Mulimba, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Asmund Aukrust, Norwegian Minister for International Cooperation.
The discussions focused on economic cooperation, regional peace and security, and multilateral relations.
Hon. John Mulimba acknowledged Norway’s long-standing support for Uganda’s development, especially in education, renewable energy, and women’s empowerment programmes. However, he noted that trade between the two countries remains low. Uganda’s exports to Norway were valued at $1 million in 2024, while imports from Norway stood at about $6 million. He stressed the need for both countries to work together to improve these figures.
Mr. Asmund Aukrust praised the strong relations between Uganda and Norway and their cooperation at the multilateral level. He said both countries have worked together in areas of shared interest, including peacebuilding initiatives in the region. He also commended Uganda’s refugee hosting policy, given its location in a volatile region.
The meeting also addressed regional peace and security. Both sides recognised Uganda’s role in peace efforts across the region. They emphasised dialogue as key to resolving conflicts and called for the involvement of all stakeholders to achieve lasting peace.
The two countries also agreed on the need for reforms within the United Nations to reflect current global realities and effectively address emerging challenges.
They further agreed to convene the Norway-Uganda Trade and Investment Summit before the end of 2027 to attract Norwegian investment and strengthen bilateral trade.
Mr. Asmund Aukrust was accompanied by Ms. Tone Tinnås, Ambassador of Norway to Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi and the Comoros; Mr. Kyrre Holm, Director for Africa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Mr. Andre Stiansen, Norwegian Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa.
