President Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni touched down in Nairobi on the morning of July 30, 2025, kicking off an official visit packed with high-level talks aimed at boosting ties between Uganda and Kenya.

The seasoned Head of State, known for his regional clout, received a red carpet welcome at the airport by Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary Hon. Musalia Mudavadi and top officials from both countries. Smiles, handshakes, and flags waved high as Museveni set foot on Kenyan soil once again.

Insiders say this visit was more than just diplomatic smiles , it’s about trade, security, roads, and East African unity.

Presidents Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda and William Ruto of Kenya called out rising trade restrictions and economic sabotage among East African Community (EAC) partner states , warning that continued protectionism is crippling regional progress.

With intra-EAC trade still limping at just 12.17%, despite growing global figures, Museveni and Ruto said it’s time for the region to “wake up” and tear down the invisible walls.

“You produce goods and services, but the next question is , who buys? If you can’t answer that, your future is bleak!” a passionate Museveni declared

He questioned why EAC countries are still divided like a house with rooms scattered in different nations.

The statement came just days after Tanzania banned foreigners from small businesses, a move that drew backlash from the private sector and cast doubt on the spirit of integration.

While neither leader directly named any country, the message was crystal clear. Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) the silent trade killers, have been rising, blocking milk, poultry, and other goods from crossing borders freely. Even Uganda and Kenya have locked horns over such disputes in the past.

“The East African Community is still a good model for integration. But unity, shared prosperity, and economic convergence must become more than just words.” President Ruto insisted.

Ruto, who currently chairs the EAC Heads of State Summit, revealed that a Joint Monitoring Committee (JMC) review set for October will address sticky trade issues between Uganda and Kenya, and push for actionable reforms.

Despite the frustrations, the Nairobi summit yielded real progress. Ruto and Museveni inked agreements in 8 major sectors: Trade, Energy, Mining, Tourism, Agriculture and Animal Industry, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Investment Promotion and Transport.

The leaders also recommitted to regional peace and stability, calling for conflict resolution and inclusive governance as cornerstones for sustainable development.