By HAN News Desk
KAMPALA – A total of 48 officers from the Somali National Army (SNA) have successfully completed a one-year military training course in Uganda, as part of a broader regional effort to enhance Somalia’s defense capacity and security operations.
The graduation ceremony, held at a military academy in Uganda, was attended by Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Somalia’s Ambassador to Uganda Fardowsa Mohamed Qanyare, and senior commanders of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
In his address, President Museveni praised the cooperation between Somalia and Uganda, describing it as a “model of African solidarity and regional stability.” He reaffirmed Uganda’s continued commitment to supporting Somalia’s state-building process and its fight against terrorism.
Ambassador Qanyare commended the Ugandan government and UPDF leadership for their role in strengthening Somalia’s defense capabilities through training and mentorship. She noted that the Somali officers’ participation in the program would help improve military professionalism and coordination in ongoing security operations back home.
During the year-long program, the officers underwent intensive courses in military leadership, operational planning, national defense, and internal security management. They also received specialized instruction on counterterrorism and peacekeeping operations — areas critical to Somalia’s current security challenges.
Uganda has been a key security partner for Somalia since 2007, when it became the first country to deploy troops under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), now transformed into the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) which is currently known as AUSSOM.
The training initiative forms part of a wider framework of cooperation between the two nations, aimed at building a capable Somali National Army capable of independently safeguarding the country and ensuring long-term stability.
Officials at the ceremony said more training programs are expected in the future as Somalia continues its transition toward taking full security responsibility from international forces.
