Somali Envoy Urges Uganda to Ease Residency Hurdles for Nationals

GOOBJOOG NEWS | KAMPALA: Somalia’s Ambassador to Uganda, Fardowsa Mohamed Qanyare, called for stronger immigration cooperation during talks with Uganda’s top immigration official, highlighting concerns over the legal status of Somali citizens living in the country.

Meeting with Gen. Apollo Kasiita-Gowa, Director General of Uganda’s Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control, at her office in Kampala, Ambassador Qanyare pressed for fairer treatment of Somali nationals, particularly students and residents navigating immigration challenges.

She underscored Somalia’s recent admission into the East African Community (EAC), stressing that Somali citizens should enjoy equal rights and opportunities as other EAC member-state nationals.

Somali students, she said, deserve the same consideration afforded to their regional peers.

In response, Gen. Kasiita-Gowa pledged to work closely with Uganda’s Ministry of East African Community Affairs to address the issues raised and explore solutions to ease the integration process for Somali residents.

The meeting marks a significant step in Somalia’s broader efforts to strengthen its diplomatic and regional ties following its entry into the EAC bloc.