Uganda and Somalia have reaffirmed commitment to continue working to promote peace and security.
In his message reaffirming the commitment, President Yoweri Museveni who first congratulated His Excellency Hassan Sheik Mohamud upon his victory as the 10th President of Somalia emphasized continued friendship and sympathetic interests of the Uganda government.
The message was delivered by Rt Hon John Patrick Amama Mbabazi who represented President Museveni and also led Uganda’s delegation during the inauguration of President Hassan Sheik Mohamud into office on Friday.
C-Rt Hon John Patrick Amama Mbabazi with other delegates from Uganda during the inauguration.
“As you embark on the new responsibilities, President Museveni wishes to assure you and the people of Somalia of the continued friendship and sympathetic interests of the Uganda government. He looks forward to working with you not only to develop closer relations between our two countries but also to unite our efforts in the cause of peace and brotherhood of all peoples,” The message reads in part.
President Hassan Sheik Mohamud in his inauguration speech re-echoed his slogan; “Somali at peace with itself and with the world.”
He promised true, wide reconciliation among Somalis, cooperation with the international community on security, a democratic system that allows universal suffrage, a fair and independent judiciary, and appealed for support in response to drought to avoid famine among others.
Ugandan Defense Minister,Vincent Ssempijja said the defense sector is very proud that the people of Somalia and the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) have been able to have a peaceful transfer of power from President Farmaajo to President Hassan Sheik Mohamud.
“The peaceful transfer of power from President Farmaajo to President Hassan is really a testimony that we have not wasted our time in this place. We pray that the stability continues and as a country Uganda, we are always ready to come in where our support is required,” Ssempijja emphasized.
Ugandan troops in Somalia
Uganda was the first country to deploy troops to Somalia in March 2007 and remains the leading Troop Contributing Country (TCC) to AMISOM, now transformed into African Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) with effect from April 1, 2022.
