Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has pledged government support for Ugandan investors seeking business opportunities in Somalia while praising Uganda’s longstanding military contribution to the country’s security.
MOGADISHU (Somali Report) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has praised Uganda’s military contribution to peace and stability in Somalia while pledging government support for Ugandan businesses seeking investment opportunities in the country.
Hassan made the remarks on Friday during a ceremony marking the 64th anniversary of Uganda’s independence, held at the Ugandan embassy in Mogadishu.
He singled out the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF), which has deployed troops to Somalia since March 2007, when Uganda became the first country to contribute forces to the African Union mission in the country.
Uganda has remained one of the major troop-contributing countries to successive African Union operations in Somalia, which have supported Somali government forces in their fight against Al-Shabaab militants.
The Somali president said Uganda’s military contribution reflected the longstanding partnership between the two countries and its commitment to supporting Somalia’s security and stability.
Hassan also recalled a visit to Mogadishu by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni in 1992, when the Somali capital was experiencing widespread insecurity amid the collapse of the central government and the ensuing civil conflict.
He described the visit as a symbol of solidarity with the Somali people during a difficult period in the country’s history.
The remarks came as Somalia continues efforts to strengthen its security institutions and expand cooperation with regional partners in tackling persistent security threats.
Beyond security cooperation, Hassan called for stronger economic ties between Mogadishu and Kampala, saying Somalia was keen to expand trade and investment with Uganda.
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He assured Ugandan businesspeople that the Somali government and its institutions were ready to support their commercial interests and help them take advantage of investment opportunities in the country.
The president said Ugandan investors would receive the assistance they needed from Somali authorities as the government seeks to attract foreign capital and encourage economic growth.
Somalia has been seeking to broaden its economic partnerships as it works to rebuild infrastructure, strengthen public institutions and create opportunities for private-sector development after decades of conflict.
Hassan’s appeal followed a joint review meeting between Somali and Ugandan officials held in Mogadishu on October 21 and 22. The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between the two countries.
The meeting provided an opportunity for both sides to review existing ties and explore ways to deepen collaboration in areas of mutual interest.
Uganda has played a significant role in international security efforts in Somalia for nearly two decades, deploying troops under African Union-led missions tasked with supporting Somali authorities and countering Al-Shabaab, an armed group linked to Al-Qaeda.
The group continues to pose a major security challenge, carrying out attacks against Somali security forces, government institutions and civilians.
Somalia and Uganda maintain close relations through security cooperation and regional engagement. The latest remarks by Hassan signal Mogadishu’s interest in expanding that partnership to include greater trade and private investment.
However, the president’s appeal did not specify particular investment projects, sectors or financial commitments that Ugandan businesses would be expected to pursue in Somalia.
About the Author
Ahmed Omar is a senior journalist for Somali Report, based in Mogadishu. He has two decades of experience reporting on Somalia for international and local media. He covers politics, security, governance, business, trade, economic developments and regional affairs.
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