Uganda, Somalia Defence Ministers meet in Mogadishu

The Minister of State for Defence Col (Rtd) Charles Okello Engola and Hassan Ali Mohamed, the State Minister of Defence of Federal Government of Somalia on Monday held a meeting aimed at improving bilateral relations in defence matters.

The two ministers who met in Mogadishu discussed the prevailing security situation in the region and commended the two countries' forces for working together within the framework of AMISOM to bring lasting stability to Somalia.

The two Ministers further took note of the existing cordial relations between their two governments noting that the sacrifices made to bring peace to Somalia since the deployment of UPDF in 2007 will never be in vain.

They also discussed and agreed on the need to initiate a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) through which Uganda can offer additional support especially towards building the capacity of the Somalia National Army.

The minister also pledged to continue encouraging and supporting their forces to keep the tempo and spirit of degrading the Alshabaab to enable the people live in peace.

The meeting was attended by the Deputy Ambassador Maj Gen(Rtd) Nathan Mugisha.

Members of Parliament on the parliamentary committee on Defence and Internal Affairs led by their chairperson, Doreen Amule are currently visiting Ugandan troops in Somalia.

 Uganda was the first African country to deploy troops under the African Union Mission in Somalia in 2007 and is currently the largest troop contributor with over 80% of the troops coming from Uganda.

The Ugandan troops also control the largest area in Somalia after being deployed in Sector One in Benadir,(has 16 districts) Banadir, and Lower Shabelle regions having pushed Al Shabaab militants for over 200km away from Mogadishu city.