President Yoweri Museveni has held high-level discussions with US Ambassador William W. Popp in Kampala to strengthen economic cooperation and rebuild relations with Washington. The Museveni US trade talks, hosted at State Lodge Nakasero, followed Museveni’s recent phone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, where both leaders emphasized migration cooperation and trade.
According to the presidency, the meeting was described as “fruitful,” with both sides reviewing opportunities for greater investment and long-term collaboration in security, health, and commerce.
Uganda’s Push After AGOA Suspension
Uganda’s officials used the Museveni US trade talks to stress their commitment to restoring ties after the country was suspended from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) in 2023 under President Joe Biden. The decision came after Kampala passed the Anti-Homosexuality Act, straining relations with Washington.
With Trump’s administration now in place, Kampala is pushing to revive economic engagement and reposition Ugandan exports — including coffee, vanilla, and fish — in the American market.
Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation
Present at the Museveni US trade talks were Ambassador Adonia Ayebare, Uganda’s Permanent Representative to the UN, and Ramathan Ggoobi, Treasury Permanent Secretary. The Ugandan team underscored trade, investment, and security cooperation as the cornerstones of the renewed partnership.
The United States remains a key ally, particularly in security assistance and health programs, while Uganda is keen to secure new investment channels and reduce the trade deficit. Officials believe that re-establishing trust will not only open markets but also boost investor confidence in Uganda’s industrial agenda.