Summary:

• Uganda has removed visa requirements for citizens of the Democratic Republic of Congo, in accordance with East African Community protocols, following a mutual agreement reached during the 8th joint permanent commission in October 2023.

Uganda, in adherence to the East African Community (EAC) protocols, has eliminated visa requirements for citizens of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The decision was reached during the 8th joint permanent commission convened in Kinshasa, DRC, in October 2023, as announced by Lt Gen Joseph Musanyufu, the permanent secretary of the ministry of internal affairs.

“At the 8th joint permanent commission, held from October 11 to October 15, 2023, in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, both parties mutually agreed to waive visa requirements for their respective citizens,” Musanyufu stated.

This move aligns with the provisions of the EAC protocol on the free movement of persons within the common market, obligating member states, under Article 7(2)(d), to facilitate the entry of citizens from partner states without the need for a visa.

The implementation of this directive is set for January 1, 2024, and it is anticipated that the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo will reciprocate by allowing Ugandan citizens entry without visas. Notably, the Democratic Republic of Congo officially joined the East African Community on April 8, 2022, and attained full membership status on July 11, 2022.