On October 26, 2026, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni met with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud at State House, Entebbe, during Mohamud's official visit to Uganda. The two leaders discussed Somalia's security situation, particularly efforts to defeat the Al-Shabaab insurgency, as well as ways to strengthen trade and economic cooperation between Uganda and Somalia. Museveni emphasized that Somalia needed to understand the root causes of its challenges and organize around a common goal.
Museveni warned that divisions among the majority could allow a minority to maintain influence, drawing comparisons with other African countries, including Sudan, where sectarian approaches to governance have contributed to political divisions and exclusion. He stressed that political organization and unity were essential to confronting the challenges threatening Somalia's stability. The President also commended Mohamud for his efforts to brief him on Somalia's security situation.
During the meeting, Mohamud commended the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) for their contribution to efforts to restore peace in Somalia. Ugandan troops have played a significant role in African Union-led peace support operations in Somalia, supporting Somali security forces in fighting Al-Shabaab militants. Mohamud thanked Museveni for Uganda's continued military contribution and support, expressing hope that Ugandan troops would remain in Somalia longer to help achieve full pacification and lasting stability.
Al-Shabaab remains a major security threat in Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa. Regional and international partners continue to support efforts to strengthen Somali security institutions and combat the insurgency. The Somali President also praised Uganda for its hospitality towards Somali nationals living, studying, and conducting business in the country. Somalia's Ambassador to Uganda, Fardowsa Mohamed Qanyare, reported that approximately 8,000 Somalis operate businesses in Uganda, while about 15,000 Somali students are pursuing studies at Ugandan universities.
Away from security, Museveni and Mohamud discussed ways to expand bilateral trade, with Uganda seeking better and more direct access for its products in the Somali market. Museveni welcomed Somalia's decision to allow Uganda to establish a warehouse in the country through which processed Ugandan coffee would be marketed and sold. The proposed arrangement is expected to give Ugandan coffee exporters a more direct route to Somali consumers.
The warehouse initiative could help Ugandan exporters access the Somali market more directly while creating additional opportunities for trade and investment. Nelson Tugume, who recently returned from Somalia, informed the two Presidents that Somalia imports coffee from European countries, with Ugandan coffee reportedly passing through other markets before reaching Somali consumers. This presents a significant opportunity for Uganda to increase its exports to Somalia.
The discussions reflect efforts by Uganda and Somalia to complement their security cooperation with economic partnerships aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, expanding market access, and creating new commercial opportunities. The meeting was attended by several high-ranking officials, including the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Haruna Kasolo, and Uganda's Ambassador to Somalia, Prof. Sam Tulya-Muhika. Key issues discussed included security cooperation, trade, and investment between the two countries.
Key points
- President Museveni emphasized the need for Somalia to unite against Al-Shabaab.
- Uganda and Somalia discussed expanding bilateral trade and investment.
- The two countries are working to strengthen security cooperation and economic partnerships.
