By Wakibi Iddi
President Museveni (Left), and President Mohamud of Somalia (Right) at State House Entebbe yesterday.
Uganda has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to supporting Somalia’s journey towards lasting peace, political stability and sustainable development, as the two nations move to deepen cooperation in security, governance and regional integration.
The commitment was made during high-level talks between President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and Somalia’s President Dr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud at State House, Entebbe, where the two leaders reviewed key issues shaping the future of Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa region.
Discussions focused on regional security challenges, Somalia’s state-building efforts, governance reforms and ways of strengthening the long-standing relationship between Kampala and Mogadishu.
President Mohamud commended Uganda for its continued role in supporting Somalia’s peace and security efforts, particularly through the contribution of Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) personnel under regional peace support initiatives. He noted that Uganda’s involvement has played a significant role in helping Somalia regain stability in areas previously affected by conflict and extremist activity.
“We are grateful for the security support Uganda has continued to provide to Somalia. We are in a much stronger position today than we were before, although challenges still remain,” President Mohamud said. He added that continued cooperation with regional partners remains essential for consolidating the gains already achieved.
The Somali leader also briefed President Museveni on ongoing political reforms aimed at restoring universal suffrage and expanding citizens’ participation in choosing their leaders after decades without direct elections. He explained that the reforms are intended to strengthen democratic institutions, improve accountability, and ensure that Somalia’s future is shaped by the will of its people.
President Museveni welcomed the progress and reiterated Uganda’s commitment to supporting a peaceful, united and prosperous Somalia, noting that Kampala’s engagement over nearly two decades has been driven by the need to protect lives and promote stability.
“For the last 19 years, we have stood with Somalia because we believe in supporting just causes and protecting innocent people. Our interest has always been to see Somalia become peaceful, stable and prosperous,” President Museveni said.
The Ugandan leader emphasised that sustainable peace depends on strong national institutions, unity among citizens and inclusive governance, adding that Somalia can overcome its challenges through dialogue, cooperation and national cohesion. He further stressed that rebuilding trust among communities is key to long-term stability.
Drawing lessons from Uganda’s own experience, President Museveni said the country’s progress has been built on strengthening institutions and prioritising national interests above divisions based on identity or sectarian differences. He encouraged Somalia to remain focused on unity as a foundation for development and peacebuilding.
He pledged that Uganda will continue working closely with Somalia to promote peace, enhance regional security, and advance integration efforts across Africa, particularly within the Horn of Africa, where stability is crucial for economic growth and cross-border cooperation.
President Mohamud praised the enduring friendship between Uganda and Somalia, reaffirming Mogadishu’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Kampala in pursuit of shared goals of peace, stability and prosperity. He said Somalia values Uganda’s consistent solidarity during difficult periods of its national recovery.
The two leaders also called for stronger collaboration among African countries in addressing security threats and accelerating sustainable development in the Horn of Africa, emphasising that regional challenges require collective and coordinated solutions.