Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has pledged his government's full support for Ugandan businesses operating in Somalia. The pledge adds momentum to a growing push by the two countries to turn decades of security cooperation into stronger trade and investment ties.
Mohamud made the commitment on Friday 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 the Ugandan private sector at the event.
The president said Somalia was committed to strengthening cooperation with Uganda in trade, investment and economic development for the shared prosperity of both nations.
His remarks capped three days of economic diplomacy in the Somali capital. On 21 and 22 October, Mogadishu hosted the Uganda–Somalia Joint Permanent Commission mid-term review, a business forum and a joint exhibition at Airport Hotel.
It was the first time the city had hosted a meeting of the commission. More than 100 Ugandan delegates and 146 Somali representatives took part.
According to the organisers, the meetings advanced cooperation in labour, aviation, trade, tourism and investment. The business forum showcased opportunities in both countries, with presentations from Uganda Airlines, the Somali Investment Promotion Office (SOMINVEST) and other investment promotion agencies.
The talks build on a framework the two governments have developed since 2022, when they set up the commission and adopted the Kampala Declaration on Trade, Investment and Tourism. At the commission's second session in Kampala in October 2025, they agreed to activate a joint investment and business council to tackle non-tariff barriers.
Direct air links have also improved. Uganda Airlines now flies to Mogadishu four times a week, giving traders and investors a direct route between the two capitals.
Uganda's exports to Somalia were worth US$6.78 million in 2024, according to UN Comtrade data. Business leaders say Somalia's entry into the East African Community opens room for that figure to grow considerably.
In his keynote address, Mohamud congratulated President Yoweri Museveni and the people of Uganda on the anniversary. He paid tribute to Uganda's long-standing contribution to peace and stability in Somalia. He recalled Museveni's visit to Mogadishu in 1992, at a time of severe insecurity, as an extraordinary demonstration of solidarity. He also honoured the sacrifices of Ugandan troops who have served in Somalia since 2007.
The celebrations were hosted by Uganda's Ambassador to Somalia, Prof Sam Turyamuhika, under the theme "Enhancing Our Sovereignty with Hope and Visionary Leadership". Guests included senior Somali government officials, members of the diplomatic community, Ugandan investors and members of the Ugandan diaspora. Prof Turyamuhika thanked Mohamud for attending, saying his presence reflected the strong bonds between the two countries.
Gen (Rtd) Henry Tumukunde, Uganda's Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, reflected on Uganda's journey since independence in 1962. He highlighted the country's progress in peace, stability and socioeconomic development.
"True independence is more than a date on a calendar; it is a living promise," he said.
Ahead of the celebrations, Gen Tumukunde met members of the Ugandan community in Somalia and encouraged them to uphold professionalism and integrity as representatives of their country.
Ugandan officials said deeper commercial ties would help consolidate the peace and stability achieved in Somalia over the past two decades and advance regional integration.