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Ministers from both nations reaffirm commitment to regional security and Pan-African solidarity
The governments of Uganda and the Federal Republic of Somalia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening defence cooperation through the signing of a joint communiqué. The agreement was formalized at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA) headquarters in Mbuya, Kampala, during a high-level meeting between Uganda’s Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Jacob Oboth Oboth, and Somalia’s Minister of Defence, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur.
The signing of the communiqué marks a significant step in the longstanding military and diplomatic relations between the two countries. Minister Nur was in Uganda for a two-day working visit, following an invitation from Minister Oboth.
During the meeting, Minister Oboth emphasized the strong and historical ties between Uganda and Somalia, particularly in matters of defence and security. He acknowledged Uganda’s continued commitment to Somalia’s stability, noting that Uganda has been actively involved in peacekeeping efforts in Somalia for over 17 years.
“Uganda and Somalia share a good and cordial relationship. What affects Somalia also affects Uganda. We have been present in Somalia for nearly two decades, and we look forward to a peaceful and stable Somalia,” Oboth stated.
He further highlighted the role of Pan-Africanism in Uganda’s foreign policy, attributing it to the vision of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the country’s Commander-in-Chief.
On his part, Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur expressed gratitude to Uganda for its unwavering support and commitment to Somalia’s security. He commended the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) for their sacrifices and contributions in ensuring peace and stability in Somalia.
“We are deeply grateful for the sacrifices made by our Ugandan brothers and sisters in Somalia. The spirit of Pan-Africanism provides us with courage and determination, and our friendship has only grown stronger over the years,” he said.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to review discussions previously held between the leaders of both nations. President Museveni and Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud had earlier engaged in talks during the latter’s state visit to Uganda on February 7, 2025, at State House Entebbe. Their discussions centered on bilateral defence cooperation and regional security concerns.
The two ministers assessed the progress made in the implementation of agreements and strategies aimed at ensuring sustainable security in Somalia. Both sides reiterated their shared vision of maintaining peace, security, and stability in the Horn of Africa and the wider African continent.
A key topic of discussion was the transition from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) to the newly established African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). The ministers welcomed the commencement of AUSSOM, acknowledging its critical role in consolidating the gains achieved under ATMIS and ensuring the continuity of security operations in Somalia.
The engagement between Uganda and Somalia is expected to further enhance military collaboration, intelligence-sharing, and capacity-building initiatives. Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to fostering closer cooperation between their defence institutions to address common security threats, including terrorism and insurgencies.
The signing of the communiqué was attended by several high-ranking officials from both countries. Among them were Uganda’s Ambassador to Somalia, Maj Gen (Rtd) Nathan Mugisha, Somalia’s Ambassador to Uganda, Fardosa Mohamed Kanyare, and the Permanent Secretary of Uganda’s Ministry of Defence, Mrs. Rosette Byengoma.
This latest development underscores the strong ties between Uganda and Somalia and their shared commitment to achieving peace and stability in the region. The ongoing partnership is expected to play a pivotal role in addressing security challenges in Somalia and the Horn of Africa, reinforcing the spirit of Pan-African solidarity and cooperation.