KAMPALA — Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in the Ugandan capital on Tuesday to attend the swearing-in ceremony of President-elect Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, as the two countries reaffirmed cooperation on security and defence.
President Mohamud, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Somali Armed Forces, is leading a high-level delegation that includes Defence Minister Ahmed Macallin Fiqi. The delegation landed in Kampala earlier in the day ahead of the inauguration events.
Upon arrival, the Somali leader was received with formal protocol arrangements as regional heads of state gathered in Uganda for the ceremony marking Museveni’s continued rule following his re-election.
Later on Tuesday, President Mohamud and his delegation visited the Ugandan State House, where they held bilateral talks with President Museveni. The discussions focused on strengthening long-standing relations between Somalia and Uganda, with a particular emphasis on defence cooperation, counter-terrorism efforts, and regional stability.
According to officials, the two leaders reviewed ongoing collaboration between the Somali government and Ugandan forces, particularly Uganda’s continued contribution to African Union peace support operations in Somalia.
President Mohamud congratulated Museveni on his re-election, describing Uganda as a key partner in Somalia’s efforts to rebuild its security institutions and combat extremist groups.
The meeting comes at a time when Somalia is intensifying its military and governance reforms, while relying on regional allies for support in stabilisation efforts.
Uganda remains one of Somalia’s most significant security partners in the Horn of Africa, hosting Somali political delegations regularly and contributing troops to regional peace missions.
The inauguration of Museveni brings together several African leaders and dignitaries, highlighting Uganda’s continued diplomatic influence in the region.
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