Dar es Salaam, Tanzania — The leaders of Tanzania and Uganda have pledged to strengthen bilateral relations and deepen regional cooperation following talks held during Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni’s official visit to Tanzania.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan and President Museveni met in Dar es Salaam on February 7, 2026, where they reaffirmed the long-standing historical ties between the two neighbouring countries. The leaders agreed to fast-track key joint projects aimed at boosting trade, energy security and economic integration in the region.
A major focus of the discussions was the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), a strategic project that will transport crude oil from Uganda’s Tilenga oil fields to the Port of Tanga in Tanzania. The pipeline, stretching 1,539 kilometres, is being constructed by a consortium that includes Chinese companies, such as China Petroleum Pipeline Engineering Co., Ltd.
According to officials, construction of the main pipeline has reached an important milestone, with welding completed and overall progress standing at 79 percent as of January 2026. The project is expected to be completed by July 2026.
Beyond EACOP, the two leaders also discussed plans for gas and refined oil pipelines, highlighting the importance of energy cooperation in driving industrial growth and regional development.
President Samia and President Museveni further agreed to improve transport infrastructure, particularly across Lake Victoria and through the ports of Dar es Salaam and Tanga, to ease the movement of goods and lower the cost of trade. They committed to removing non-tariff barriers and improving the business environment within the East African Community (EAC).
The leaders said stronger cooperation between Tanzania and Uganda would not only benefit the two countries but also support broader regional integration and economic growth across East Africa.
The visit underscored the shared vision of both governments to use large-scale infrastructure projects and policy coordination to strengthen trade, investment and long-term development in the region.
