President Yoweri Museveni hosted Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan for a one-day working visit in Uganda on February 6, 2026, aimed at reinforcing diplomatic, economic and regional cooperation between the two East African neighbours.
The visit, which included high-level talks at State House Entebbe, focused on advancing shared priorities within the East African Community framework, with particular attention given to the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project, now reported to be 80% complete and on track to begin exporting Uganda’s first commercial crude oil by October 2026.
President Museveni welcomed President Samia at State House Entebbe in the morning, where the two leaders held private discussions before expanding to delegations. The agenda covered energy cooperation, regional stability, trade facilitation, infrastructure development and security collaboration along their shared border.
On the EACOP, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the 1,443-kilometre heated pipeline that will transport crude oil from Hoima in Uganda to the Tanzanian port of Tanga. The project, a joint venture between TotalEnergies, China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), Uganda National Oil Company and Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation, has progressed steadily despite environmental and social concerns raised by some activists.
President Museveni described the pipeline as a transformative initiative for both countries. “This pipeline is not just about oil; it is about jobs, revenue, infrastructure and regional integration,” Museveni said during the joint press appearance. “When it becomes operational in 2026, it will benefit Uganda and Tanzania directly and the entire East African Community indirectly through trade, skills transfer and economic activity along the route.”
President Samia Suluhu Hassan echoed the sentiment, highlighting the mutual gains for both nations. “Tanzania is fully committed to the timely completion of EACOP,” she said. “We have seen remarkable progress, and by October 2026, Uganda will export its first oil through our territory. This is a win-win partnership that strengthens our economies and deepens our brotherhood.”
The leaders also discussed broader energy cooperation, including joint exploration, renewable energy initiatives and regional power pooling through the East African Power Pool. They reviewed progress on the Standard Gauge Railway extension from Dar es Salaam to Mwanza and Kampala, as well as border trade facilitation and harmonisation of customs procedures.
Security along the shared border and in the Lake Victoria basin was another key topic. Both presidents reaffirmed their resolve to combat cross-border crime, illegal fishing, smuggling and potential terrorism threats. “Peace and stability are the foundation of prosperity,” Museveni stated. “We will continue joint patrols and intelligence sharing to protect our people and our common interests.”
No formal joint communique or signed agreements were announced during the visit, but briefings are expected as talks continue at technical levels. The one-day nature of the engagement was deliberate, allowing both leaders to return to domestic duties while maintaining momentum on key regional issues.
The visit builds on decades of collaboration between Uganda and Tanzania, from the revival of the East African Community in 2000 to joint infrastructure projects and mutual support in regional peace processes. President Samia’s administration has prioritised economic diplomacy, and the EACOP remains one of its flagship commitments.
Ugandan Foreign Minister Henry Oryem, who accompanied the President, described the talks as fruitful. “The discussions were candid and forward-looking,” Oryem said. “We agreed to accelerate coordination on EACOP milestones, enhance trade volumes and strengthen security cooperation. This visit reaffirms the unbreakable bond between our two countries.”
In Tanzania, the State House issued a similar assessment, noting that President Samia left Entebbe satisfied with the progress and reaffirmed commitments. “The leaders shared a common vision for a prosperous, integrated and peaceful East Africa,” the Tanzanian readout stated.
The timing of the visit coincides with the approaching operationalisation of EACOP, which has faced delays due to financing, land acquisition and environmental compliance. TotalEnergies and partners have consistently maintained that first oil will flow by mid-2026, with peak production expected to reach 230,000 barrels per day.
As the two leaders departed, both sides expressed optimism about the future. “Uganda and Tanzania are stronger together,” Museveni said. “We will continue to work hand in hand for the benefit of our people and the region.”
The visit underscores the enduring importance of bilateral ties in driving East African integration and economic transformation.
