Somalia Pledges Full Support to Ugandan Businesses as Trade Ties Deepen

Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has pledged his administration’s comprehensive support for Ugandan businesses operating within Somali territory. The commitment was delivered while he served as the chief guest during Uganda’s 64th independence anniversary celebrations in Mogadishu, hosted by the Ugandan embassy.

President Mohamud assured private sector members that local institutions are ready to collaborate and meet their requests. The pledge underscores a concerted push by both governments to transition decades of security cooperation into robust trade, investment, and economic partnerships.

The presidential announcement capped three active days of economic diplomacy in the Somali capital. Mogadishu recently hosted the mid-term review of the Uganda-Somalia Joint Permanent Commission, alongside a business forum and a joint exhibition. The historic meetings drew over 100 Ugandan delegates and 146 Somali representatives, advancing cooperation across aviation, labour, tourism, and investment.

Commercial ties have steadily strengthened under frameworks like the Kampala Declaration on Trade, Investment, and Tourism. Enhanced connectivity, including Uganda Airlines operating four weekly flights to Mogadishu, has significantly eased movement for traders. With Somalia joining the East African Community, officials believe bilateral trade—which stood at US$6.78 million in 2024—is poised for substantial expansion.

During the celebrations, President Mohamud praised Uganda for its enduring sacrifices toward Somali peace and stability, recalling historical solidarity dating back to the early 1990s and the deployment of Ugandan troops since 2007. Hosted by Uganda’s Ambassador to Somalia, Prof. Sam Turyamuhika, the event brought together senior diplomats, diaspora members, and investors.

Gen (Rtd) Henry Tumukunde, Uganda’s Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, represented Kampala at the festivities. He commended the diaspora for maintaining professionalism and urged them to continue fostering strong socioeconomic relations. Officials maintain that deepening commercial integration remains vital to solidifying long-term peace in the region.

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