Kampala, (UG):- Uganda’s President, H.E Yoweri Museveni Saturday welcomed Somalia’s Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and congratulated the Horn country on becoming a full member state of the East African Community (EAC).
Mr Museveni, during the meeting which took place at State House Nakasero also congratulated H.E Hassan Mohamud and Somalia in general on being an incoming non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for 2025-2026.
“I welcomed His Excellency Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, and his delegation this afternoon at Nakasero. I congratulate Somalia on becoming a member of the EAC and on being an incoming non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for 2025-2026,” the President said in a post via X, formerly Twitter.
The two heads of state also discussed a range of issues, particularly the state of security in Somalia amid the upcoming withdrawal of ATMIS peacekeepers effective December 31 where Uganda has immensely contributed troops to both the current mission and its AU-led successor, AUSSOM.
“We discussed a range of issues, with particular emphasis on the security situation in Somalia and the region. Our two countries signed the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), which is an integral part of the Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation,” said Mr Museveni.
The Ugandan leader committed to continue supporting the Federal Republic of Somalia in her efforts towards total peace and stability.
On his part, Sheikh Mohamud sought Museveni’s support to include Egyptian forces in the new AU-led peacekeeping mission set to begin in January, despite reported resistance from other East African troop contributors, including Kenya, Uganda, and Burundi, while Ethiopia has threatened to take action if the arrival of Egyptian troops is perceived as a threat to its security.
Mohamud commended Museveni, the government, and the people of Uganda for the sacrifice made and commitment since 2007 to peace, security, and stability in Somalia and the region at large.
“We are grateful for Uganda’s support in the fight against global terrorism in Somalia. In 2007, Uganda was the first country to respond to Somalia’s call for the deployment of peacekeeping troops—the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) until today continues to support us in our fight against terrorism and in keeping the peace,” Hassan Sheikh Mohamud noted.
He also underscored the need to further solidify the strong partnership between the two countries not only for a safer, more prosperous future but also to make a difference that resonates far beyond the borders.
“Uganda is a truly invaluable ally, a reliable partner, supporter, and friend to Somalia. Your personal leadership and commitment, alongside your government’s efforts in Somalia in the last decade, have supported us to go forward to a better and brighter future for our people. Somalia will remain grateful entirely,” Mohamud said.
The two leaders also welcomed the lifting of the arms embargo on Somalia, which presents an opportunity to the Federal Government of Somalia to expedite the transition process, ensure the phased implementation of the Somali Security Development Plan, and enable the country to shoulder its security responsibilities.
On trade, President Museveni and Sheikh Mohamud underscored the need to further increase the volumes of bilateral trade between the two countries by bringing together the respective private sectors to identify opportunities for investment, trade, and tourism.
Mr Museveni expressed gratitude to Sheikh Mohamud for honouring his invitation and for the fruitful discussions held. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud extended an invitation to His Excellency Museveni to visit the Federal Republic of Somalia.
The development comes at a time of heightened security challenges in the Horn of Africa, with ongoing conflicts in Somalia, tensions in the Red Sea, and Ethiopia’s internal strife raising alarms across the region.
Somalia remains embroiled in a long-standing battle against the Islamist extremist group al-Shabaab, which continues to undermine the government’s authority and destabilize the country.
The fragile security situation in the Horn of Africa has drawn regional and international actors to increase their involvement, making security alliances such as this one between Egypt, Somalia, and Eritrea.
Somalia formally authorized Egypt to join the new AU peacekeeping mission while planning to expel Ethiopian forces, amidst a bitter dispute between Cairo and Addis Ababa over the construction of the GERD on the Blue Nile River, raising alarm among donors and regional governments.
The aggrieved member states had argued that the mission may be undermined by rivalries and that Egypt’s presence near Ethiopia could exacerbate instability in an already fragile region beset by prolonged conflicts.
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