Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has pledged his government’s full support for Ugandan businesses operating in the country, as Mogadishu and Kampala seek to expand economic ties alongside their long-standing security partnership.
24 October, 2026
Mr Mohamud made the commitment on Friday while serving as chief guest at Uganda’s 64th independence anniversary celebrations, hosted by the Ugandan embassy in Mogadishu.
“We will work with you, and Somali institutions will work with you, and you will have what you have requested,” he told members of Uganda’s private sector at the event.
The president said Somalia was committed to strengthening cooperation with Uganda in trade, investment and economic development, with the aim of promoting shared prosperity.
His remarks came at the end of three days of economic diplomacy in the Somali capital.
On 21 and 22 October, Mogadishu hosted the mid-term review of the Uganda-Somalia Joint Permanent Commission, alongside a business forum and joint exhibition at the Airport Hotel.
It was the first time the commission had held a meeting in Mogadishu. More than 100 Ugandan delegates and 146 Somali representatives took part.
The organisers said the meetings focused on cooperation in areas including labour, aviation, trade, tourism and investment.
The business forum highlighted investment opportunities in both countries, with presentations from Uganda Airlines, the Somali Investment Promotion Office (SOMINVEST) and other investment promotion agencies.
From security to trade
The latest discussions build on a framework established by the two governments since 2022, when they created the Joint Permanent Commission and adopted the Kampala Declaration on Trade, Investment and Tourism.
At the commission’s second session in Kampala in October 2025, the two sides agreed to activate a joint investment and business council intended to address non-tariff barriers and facilitate trade.
Air connectivity between the two countries has also improved. Uganda Airlines currently operates four flights a week to Mogadishu, providing a direct link between the two capitals for travellers, traders and investors.
Ugandan exports to Somalia were worth $6.78m (£5.1m) in 2024, according to UN Comtrade data.
Business leaders say Somalia’s entry into the East African Community could create further opportunities for trade and investment.
Uganda’s role in Somalia
In his keynote address, President Mohamud congratulated President Yoweri Museveni and the Ugandan people on the country’s independence anniversary.
He also paid tribute to Uganda’s long-standing contribution to peace and stability in Somalia.
Mr Mohamud recalled President Museveni’s visit to Mogadishu in 1992, during a period of severe insecurity, describing it as a significant demonstration of solidarity.
He also recognised the sacrifices of Ugandan troops who have served in Somalia since 2007.
Uganda has been a major contributor to international and regional security efforts in Somalia, where its forces have played a role in operations against militant groups and in supporting the Somali government.
The independence celebrations were hosted by Uganda’s ambassador to Somalia, Prof Sam Turyamuhika, under the theme “Enhancing Our Sovereignty with Hope and Visionary Leadership”.
Senior Somali government officials, members of the diplomatic community, Ugandan investors and members of the Ugandan diaspora attended the event.
Prof Turyamuhika thanked President Mohamud for attending, saying his presence reflected the close ties between the two countries.
Gen (Rtd) Henry Tumukunde, Uganda’s Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, reflected on the country’s journey since independence in 1962, highlighting its progress in peace, stability and socio-economic development.
“True independence is more than a date on a calendar; it is a living promise,” he said.
Before the celebrations, Gen Tumukunde met members of the Ugandan community in Somalia and encouraged them to maintain professionalism and integrity as representatives of their country.
Ugandan officials said stronger commercial links could help consolidate the peace and stability achieved in Somalia over the past two decades, while supporting wider regional economic integration.
For Somalia and Uganda, the push for greater trade and investment marks an effort to build on decades of security cooperation and establish a broader economic partnership.