Uganda and Mozambique are working together to reach a Visa-Free Travel Agreement. The countries are negotiating to allow their citizens to travel between each other’s countries without a visa.
Reportedly, Mozambique would join the list of visa-exempt countries for Uganda, which also includes Botswana, Ireland and Kenya. The exemption would eliminate the $50 visa fee for Mozambicans that aims to boost bilateral trade and relations.
Mozambique and Uganda are discussing about expanding visa exemptions as part of a broader effort to enhance their regional integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
According to the Immigration Control Commissioner of Uganda – Colonel Geoffrey Kambere said that the government aims to facilitate more accessible travel for their citizens. In this regard, Mozambique proposes that Ugandans should be allowed to visit without a visa to their country.
He also revealed that if this gets approved, Mozambique would join the list of countries exempt from visa requirements for travel to Uganda. Out of the list, the current visa-free countries consist of Botswana, Ireland, South Sudan, Malaysia, Angola, Kenya, Malawi and Comoros, where their citizens are not required to pay a fee of $50.
Kambere stated, “Our colleagues from Mozambique currently pay $50 for a visa to come here and they have expressed that, as fellow Africans, these payments should be removed.”
Furthermore, during a joint permanent commission meeting in Kampala, held on Monday, Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regional economic cooperation – Ambassador Richard Kabonero revealed that the discussions are centred on establishing bilateral agreements in political, security and economic sectors.
Although the current number of Mozambicans traveling to Uganda is relatively low. The proposed visa exemption represents a significant opportunity to enhance bilateral relations and increase the trade.
Mozambican authorities view this exemption as part of a broader initiative to boost regional integration across Africa, in alignment with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which aims to facilitate easier cross-border movement.
Considering the historical facts, Mozambique and Uganda have maintained a robust trade relationship. In 2017, Mozambique had recorded a notable net trade surplus with Uganda.
The key exports from Mozambique to Uganda included buses, cars and iron fasteners, which amounted to $8.75 million in 2022. Uganda, in turn, exports various products to Mozambique.
Kabonero further stated, “Through our enhanced bilateral ties, both countries will achieve significant economic and social progress.”
Notably, the countries share a deep historical connection rooted in their collaborative struggles against colonial rule.
Recently, the bond has been reinforced through high-level presidential visits and the creation of the Uganda-Mozambique Joint Permanent Commission (JPC).
Moreover, the specific trade data reveals that Uganda imported $60 worth of tools from Mozambique in year 2011 and $1.740 worth of vessels in 2016.