Somalia hails Uganda during independence fete in Mogadishu

CHIMPREPORTS|MOGADISHU: The Federal Government of Somalia, through the Minister for Defence, Abdulkadir Muhamed Noor Jamah, has applauded Ugandaʼs president Yoweri Museveni for standing with the people of Somalia during their period of need.

Officiating as the Chief Guest at Ugandaʼs 60th independence celebrations held at the Ugandan Embassy in Mogadishu, H.E. Abdulkadir said “Somalia has partnered with very many African countries, including Uganda, and it is a significant gesture that Uganda is still standing with the people of Somalia.”

He congratulated the people of Uganda upon reaching the 60th anniversary of their self-rule and said there was so much to celebrate in Uganda, especially on how far Uganda has moved on the path to peace, stability and development.

The Deputy Head of Ugandaʼs Mission in Somalia H.E. Ambassador Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Nathan Mugisha, in his remarks delivered by the Charge dʼAffairs at the embassy, Mr. Robert Mugimba, reiterated Ugandaʼs will to root for strengthening regional and sub-regional organisations as centres for promoting peace, security, economic development, regional integration, good governance, and social and humanitarian care.

Ambassador Mugisha added that Ugandaʼs position is motivated by Africaʼs ideals of interdependence which included among others, a shared sense of destiny, justice, freedom, security, prosperity, pluralism, hard work, resilience and peace. He concluded by affirming Ugandaʼs commitment to supporting the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) in fighting insurgents.

H.E. James Swan the United Nations Special Representative in Somalia thanked the President of the Republic of Uganda for his role in ensuring peace and stability not only through the military sphere, but also through diplomatic means, guidance and providing leadership in Somalia and the entire region.

Mr. Swan specifically pointed out the crucial year 2011 when H.E. President Museveni spearheaded and brought to a harmonious conclusion of the talks/dialogue after the expiry of term of the Transitional Federal Government.

Brig. Gen. Keith Katungi the Uganda military Contingent Commander in Somalia took the celebrants through Ugandaʼs history since 1894 when the British declared Uganda as their protectorate through independence to date.

Others present at the function were the Deputy Minister of Defence of the FGS Abdul Fatah Khasim Muhamad Yousuf, the Chief of Defence Forces of the Somalia National Army (SNA) Gen. Yusuf Rageeh Odowa, the African Transition Mission Force Commander Lt. Gen. Diomede Ndegeya, and the Director of the United Nations Support Office in Somalia Harjit Dhindsa, among other dignitaries