Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has advised Somalia to emulate the National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) ideology for prosperity and strategic security.
He made these remarks during a meeting with Uganda’s Ambassador to Somalia, H.E. Prof. Sam Tulya-Muhika, at State House, Entebbe, on Monday, January 15, 2024.
In his speech, the President provided valuable insights to Somalia, a recent addition to the East African Community (EAC), saying that they could learn crucial leadership lessons from the NRM, which successfully united a failed and divided state.
“I think Somalia should form a students’ movement like the one we started in the 1960s. We as students saw the need for integration intellectually at that time without any influence from the business groups whatsoever,” Museveni said.
The President emphasised the value of intellectual perception, citing historical figures such as Julius Nyerere and Tom Mboya, who championed the East African Federation despite external pressures.
The President highlighted the need for motivated individuals driven by intellectual identity rather than financial gain.
“When we were training Somali soldiers at Lake Albert, I inquired and was told that some students had come back from London to join, so you get those types of people who are now motivated by the identity of Somalia intellectually, not because they are making money, and let them be part of the movement that is ideologically driven,” he added.
He also emphasised the role of empowered Somali youth in defending their country both militarily and ideologically, underscoring the importance of patriotism and Pan-Africanism as driving forces for national unity and development.
Ambassador Muhika thanked President Museveni for his guidance and confirmed that Somalia is already planning to establish a student movement. He highlighted the potential contribution of Somalis who have studied in Uganda and expressed optimism about their participation in the initiative.
“There are a good number of ex-students in Somalia who have studied in Uganda, at Islamic University, Makerere University, and others. We can therefore consider using them for this good cause,” he said.
The discussions also included diplomatic and political consultations as well as defence and trade cooperation, indicating a collaborative effort to promote growth and stability in both countries.
Somalia was last year admitted to the East African Community, making it the eighth member of the bloc.
