(Kampala) – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda met with the President of Somalia, H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, for bilateral discussions aimed at enhancing security and stability in Somalia and the broader region on October 19, 2024. The meeting took place at the State Lodge in Nakasero, Kampala, where President Mohamud was an official guest.
The central theme of their discussions was Uganda’s continued commitment to aiding Somalia in its efforts to secure long-lasting peace. Museveni affirmed that Uganda would maintain its support, particularly in strengthening Somali security forces. This pledge comes as Somalia continues to navigate its complex security challenges, especially in its ongoing battle against Al-Shabaab, a terrorist organization that has been destabilizing the country for over a decade.
During their talks, the two leaders exchanged views on the security situation in Somalia and emphasized the importance of peace, stability, and security throughout the Horn of Africa and the continent as a whole. The conversation highlighted the significant sacrifices made by both the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and Somali Security Forces (SSFs), whose efforts have been instrumental in pacifying parts of Somalia.
President Museveni and President Mohamud commended the work done under ATMIS and welcomed the establishment of its successor, the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). Both leaders underscored the need for this new mission to build on ATMIS’s accomplishments and learn from its challenges. They agreed that AUSSOM must develop a strategy tailored to the specific needs of Somalia’s security sector and emphasized that sustainable and predictable funding, including support through UN Resolution 2719, would be critical to the mission’s success.
A key part of the discussions revolved around the signing of the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), a significant element of a broader Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Cooperation between the two nations. The agreement outlines the legal and operational framework for Uganda’s continued support in Somalia. The SOFA was signed by Uganda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gen. Jeje Odongo, and Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, in the presence of both presidents.
In addition to defense cooperation, the two countries also discussed potential collaborations in education, sports, and immigration management. These areas of cooperation are expected to be formalized through future Memoranda of Understanding, which will be signed during the next session of the Joint Permanent Commission and Investment and Business Summit.
President Museveni took the opportunity to congratulate Somalia on its recent membership in the East African Community (EAC), an important step towards greater regional integration and economic cooperation. He noted that Somalia’s inclusion in the EAC would open up new markets and trade opportunities, not only for Somalia but for the entire region. President Mohamud echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the benefits of regional cooperation in addressing shared challenges.
The bilateral talks also covered Somalia’s upcoming role as a non permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2025–2026 term. Museveni commended Somalia’s growing international influence and called for continued support from the international community in helping Somalia build strong, self-sufficient institutions. Both leaders reiterated the importance of supporting the Somali Security Development Plan, which aims to strengthen Somalia’s ability to manage its own security in the long term.
President Mohamud expressed his gratitude to Uganda for its unwavering support since 2007, when Uganda became the first country to send peacekeeping troops to Somalia under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), the precursor to ATMIS. He highlighted the significant contributions made by the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) in the fight against global terrorism and the role they continue to play in securing peace in Somalia.
The lifting of the arms embargo on Somalia by the United Nations was another major topic of discussion. Both leaders welcomed this development, noting that it provides Somalia with a valuable opportunity to expedite its security transition and fully implement the Somali Security Development Plan. This will ultimately enable Somalia to take full responsibility for its own security, reducing its reliance on external forces.
Trade and economic cooperation also featured prominently in the talks. Museveni and Mohamud underscored the need to increase bilateral trade between Uganda and Somalia. They agreed that bringing together the private sectors of both countries would help identify key investment and trade opportunities, particularly in areas such as agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure development.
President Mohamud invited President Museveni to visit Somalia, a gesture that symbolized the strong and growing partnership between the two nations. Museveni, in turn, expressed his gratitude to Mohamud for the productive discussions and reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to supporting Somalia in its journey towards peace, stability, and prosperity.
The meeting was attended by senior officials from both countries, including Uganda’s Minister for Defense and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Jacob Oboth Oboth, and Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Ahmed Moallim Fiqi. Key military leaders, such as Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding, Deputy Chief of Defense Forceswere also present.
