
U.S. Secretary of State Rubio Discusses Migration and Trade in Call with Ugandan President
WASHINGTON – In a move to strengthen bilateral relations, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a phone call with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni on Thursday, focusing on key areas of mutual interest.
According to a statement from Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott, the two leaders discussed “opportunities to deepen U.S.-Uganda cooperation on migration, reciprocal trade, and commercial ties.”
The conversation highlights the Trump administration’s continued engagement with East African nations on economic and security issues. The emphasis on “reciprocal trade” suggests a focus on creating balanced economic partnerships that benefit both countries.
Secretary Rubio also took the opportunity to commend Uganda’s role in a volatile region. The statement noted that the Secretary “thanked Uganda for providing a model of regional stability including its valuable contributions to peacekeeping in East Africa.”
Uganda is a major troop contributor to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), a critical force in the fight against al-Shabaab militants. This recognition from the top U.S. diplomat underscores Uganda’s strategic importance to regional security efforts.
The call signals a desire to build upon the existing relationship between the two nations, balancing strategic security praise with forward-looking discussions on economic and migration policy.