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President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda held bilateral talks with Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Kampala, discussing key security issues and regional stability. They commended the efforts of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and Somali Security Forces in combating Al-Shabaab, and they welcomed the newly established African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

The President made the commitment on Saturday, October 19, 2024, during bilateral talks with H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of the Federal Republic of Somalia, at State Lodge, Nakasero in Kampala, who is in the country as an official guest.

According to a communiqué read by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gen. Jeje Odongo, the two Heads of State exchanged views on the security situation in Somalia and the region and underscored the need to maintain peace, security, and stability in the Horn of Africa and in the African continent as a whole.

They also commended sacrifices made by the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and Somali Security Forces in pacifying the country and the fight against Al-Shabaab.

The Heads of State welcomed the establishment of the new Mission of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and built up on the achievements made by its predecessor ATMIS.

“The mission should also leverage the lessons learned and implement a strategy that meets the specific capabilities required by the Somali Security Sector,” they said.

They also emphasised that it is crucial to explore all funding options, including UN resolution 2719, and AUSSOM must have predictable and sustainable funding, and called upon the support of the International Community.

The Heads of State further emphasised the need to adequately support the implementation of the Somali Security Development Plan and building the capabilities of the Somali Security Forces (SSFs) and called upon the international community to support in building capabilities to ensure smooth exit of AUSSOM.

At the same ceremony, President Museveni and his guest witnessed the signing of the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), which is an integral part of the Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Cooperation, and noted the readiness by the respective Ministers to sign Memoranda of Understanding on Education and Sports, Immigration Management, and directed for the convening of the second session of the Joint Permanent Commission and Investment and Business Summit as soon as possible.

Gen. Odongo Jeje Abubaker, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uganda, and Mr. Ahmed Moallim Fiqi Ahmed, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Somalia, signed the SOFA on behalf of the two countries.

President Museveni congratulated H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud upon the Federal Republic of Somalia becoming a new member of the East African Community, which marked a new era of regional integration, wider regional markets, and trade cooperation.

He also congratulated Somalia for being an incoming non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the years 2025-2026.

The Heads of State reiterated their commitment to deepen integration through the East African Community (EAC), the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and the wider African Union and further called upon the international community to continue supporting Somalia in building its institutions, especially Somali Security Forces (SSFs), to ensure that the progress and gains made are consolidated, as well as support for climate action and humanitarian assistance.

His Excellency Hassan Sheikh Mohamud commended H.E. 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,” H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud noted, while underscoring 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,” H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said.

Their Excellencies 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 H.E Hassan 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.

President Museveni expressed gratitude to His Excellency Hassan Sheikh Mohamud for honouringhis invitation and for the fruitful discussions held.

H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud extended an invitation to His Excellency Museveni to visit the Federal Republic of Somalia.

The ceremony was attended by, among others, the Minister for Defense and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Jacob Oboth Oboth, the Deputy Chief of Defense Forces, Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding, and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defense and Veteran Affairs, Rosette Byengoma.

Others were Ambassador Prof. Sam Tulya-Muhika, who is the Head of Ugandan Mission in Mogadishu, and officials from the Ministry of Defense and Veteran Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, among others.