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Uganda has removed visa requirements for citizens of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as part of their East African Community (EAC) membership. Starting January 1, 2024, citizens from both nations can enter without a visa. The DRC government is expected to reciprocate.

Uganda has removed visa requirements for citizens from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as a benefit for being a member of the East African Community (EAC).

Lt Gen Joseph Musanyufu, permanent secretary of the ministry of internal affairs, says the decision was made at the 8th joint permanent commission that was held in Kinshasa, DRC, in October 2023.

“At the eighth joint permanent commission, which took place in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, from October 11, 2023 to October 15, 2023. According to him, there was an agreement reached between the parties to waive visa requirements for nationals of both nations in exchange for reciprocity.

According to Musanyufu, the choice was made in accordance with the EAC-market-free movement of persons protocol, which permits citizens of other partners to enter Uganda without a visa.

“Partner states are required by article 7(2)(d) of the Protocol of the establishment of the East African Community, common market-free movement of persons, to permit entry of citizens of other partner states without a visa,” he states.

On January 1, 2024, the Directive will come into in effect. Additionally, it is anticipated that the DRC government will allow Ugandan nationals to enter the country without a visa.

On April 8, 2022, the Democratic Republic of the Congo ratified the East African Community (EAC) Treaty, and on July 11, 2022, it attained full membership status.