Somali President Sheikh Hassan Muhamud has concluded his three-day state visit to Uganda.
He was invited to Uganda by President Yoweri Museveni with whom he held bilateral discussions. During his stay, he visited the (military) Luwero Industries in Nakasongola district and also participated in the inaugural Uganda-Somalia Investment Business summit at Speke Resort Munyonyo.
He also lobbied Uganda to support Somalia’s bid to join the East African Community (EAC), a regional block that brings together now seven countries. Speaking at the summit yesterday, Museveni said Uganda doesn’t have any problem with Somalia joining the EAC.
“Uganda will support the application by Somalia to join the East African Community, and has already done so,” Museveni said. “This time, it is good that Somalia has applied again because they have all it takes. Somalia has got a border with Kenya and is a democratic country. We shall definitely support Somalia to join the EAC.”
He also reiterated Uganda’s commitment and continued support for Somalia in its struggle for peace.
“We shall continue to support Somalia in their struggle against the terrorists, and I’m glad the people of Somalia have stood against these people,” he said.
Museveni also used the summit to invite the Somali business community to come and invest in Uganda.
“Businesspersons are the most useful group because these people know the importance of the market,” he went on. “Businesspeople, historically, have contributed to the integration of countries. If you are a businessman, you should not look at the tribe or religion of the customer.”
Muhamud was seen off today at Entebbe International airport by the minister of Foreign Affairs Jeje Odongo, Somalia’s minister of Foreign Affairs, Abshir Omar Jama, the ambassador of Uganda to Somalia, Maj Gen Nathan Mugisha; the Somali ambassador to Uganda, Ali Mohamed, Brig Gen Dr Gonyi chief of staff Air. Muhamud was elected President of Somalia on May 15, 2022, defeating the incumbent Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo.
