By Shamim Nabakooza
Sunday April 6, 2025
Presidents Museveni and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud reaffirmed security cooperation and signed new bilateral deals during the Somali leader’s one-day visit to Uganda.
Uganda has been a key pillar in Somalia's security for nearly two decades now
President Museveni and his Somali counterpart Hassan Sheikh Mohamud have recommitted to strengthening bilateral relations and deepening regional stability following a one-day official visit to Uganda by the Somali leader on April 5, 2025.
During the visit, the two heads of state discussed the security and political situation in Somalia and the Horn of Africa and called for continued collaboration to defeat terrorism.
They praised the efforts and sacrifices made by the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and the Somali Security Forces in stabilising the country and combating Al-Shabaab.
“We commend the commencement of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and urge for adequate, predictable, and sustainable funding for its success,” read a joint communique issued after the meeting.
The leaders also highlighted the upcoming Extraordinary Summit of Troop Contributing Countries to AUSSOM, scheduled for April 25.
President Mohamud thanked President Museveni for convening the meeting, which is expected to galvanise collective leadership against terrorism in the region.
Both presidents underscored the importance of building a robust Somali Security Force, and urged the international community to support the implementation of Somalia’s Security Development Plan to ensure a smooth exit of AUSSOM.
The visit also marked the signing of a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), forming part of a broader Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation.
Defence Minister Jacob Oboth Oboth, who signed on behalf of Uganda, said the agreement would “enhance structured military collaboration between the two countries.”
His Somali counterpart, Minister of Internal Security Abdullahi Sheik Ismael Fara-Tag, signed on behalf of Somalia.
The ministers also announced that their governments were ready to conclude further agreements on education, sports, and immigration management.
They committed to convene the second Joint Permanent Commission and an Investment and Business Summit “as soon as possible.”
On labour migration, the leaders acknowledged the submission of a draft Bilateral Labour Agreement by Uganda’s Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development to Somalia’s Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs.
Beyond bilateral matters, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to broader African integration through frameworks like the East African Community (EAC), IGAD and the African Union.
They also called on the international community to support Somalia’s institution-building, climate action and humanitarian response efforts.
President Museveni praised the resilience and commitment of the Somali people in their stabilisation efforts, while President Mohamud saluted Uganda’s role since 2007 in helping secure Somalia and the region.
President Mohamud extended a formal invitation to President Museveni to visit Somalia. Museveni accepted, with dates to be determined through diplomatic channels.