Bagiire Hails Uganda–Somalia Relations, Calls for Greater Private Sector Involvement

The Government of the Republic of Uganda has commenced the Second Session of the Uganda–Somalia Joint Permanent Commission (JPC), held alongside an Investment and Business Summit running until 8 October 2025 at Mestil Hotel, Kampala, under the theme “Promoting Uganda–Somalia Partnership through Investment, Trade and Tourism, and Harnessing Opportunities in Both Countries.”

Delivering his opening remarks, Mr. Vincent Bagiire, Permanent Secretary of Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, welcomed delegates to the JPC and warmly received his counterpart, H.E. Hamza Adan Haadoow, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Somalia, and his delegation.

Mr. Bagiire highlighted that relations between Uganda and Somalia are deeply rooted in Pan-Africanism and Ubuntu, the belief that “we are because you are.” He emphasized that this second session of the JPC is a key opportunity to strengthen the long-standing partnership between the two nations and enhance the implementation of previously signed agreements.

Recalling the inaugural JPC session held two years ago in Kampala, during which four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed, Mr. Bagiire underscored the importance of tracking and reviewing implementation progress to ensure tangible outcomes. He noted that several new MoUs and agreements are expected to be signed during this session, particularly in the areas of immigration, education, sports, and labour cooperation.

He further noted the significance of convening the Investment and Business Summit alongside the JPC, a tradition that began with the inaugural session in August 2022. Mr. Bagiire encouraged the private sector to seize this opportunity to form partnerships, conduct business, and showcase their products.

“The two sessions running concurrently reflect the importance our governments attach to business linkages and cooperation. I encourage our private sectors to take full advantage of this platform,” he stated.

In conclusion, Mr. Bagiire thanked all delegations for their commitment and applauded the technical teams from both sides for their efforts in ensuring the success of the JPC and Business Forum.

Somalia Reaffirms Commitment to Strengthening Partnership

On his part, H.E. Hamza Adan Haadoow expressed gratitude to the Government and people of Uganda for hosting the session and conveyed warm greetings from H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, to H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

He also extended heartfelt congratulations to Uganda ahead of its 63rd Independence Anniversary, describing it as “a proud reminder of Uganda’s story of self-determination, unity, and progress.”

H.E. Haadoow reaffirmed that the friendship between Somalia and Uganda is deep and enduring, recalling that the inaugural JPC in 2022 laid a structured framework for cooperation in defence, education, capacity building, and diplomacy. He emphasized that the current meeting builds on that foundation and represents a shared determination to translate commitments into concrete results that benefit citizens.

He expressed Somalia’s deep appreciation to Uganda for its unwavering support toward Somalia’s peace and stability, noting that Uganda was the first country to deploy troops under AMISOM in 2007 and continues to play a leading role under ATMIS and now AUSSOM.

“The courage and sacrifice of Ugandan soldiers embody the true spirit of African solidarity and Pan-African unity,” he stated, paying tribute to Uganda’s contributions to regional stability.

Quoting President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, H.E. Haadoow remarked that “the strength of any partnership is measured by the real change it brings to the lives of people.” He urged both countries’ technical teams to work with dedication and focus to produce evidence-based recommendations with clear timelines and deliverables to guide future ministerial decisions.

He further underscored Somalia’s commitment to expanding cooperation beyond security into trade, investment, education, culture, and social development, emphasizing the importance of continuous institutional engagement to sustain momentum.

In closing, he expressed appreciation to the Government and people of Uganda for their hospitality and partnership, and commended the technical teams for their hard work in advancing practical and results-oriented cooperation.

Key Areas of Discussion and Exhibition

The session featured:

• A review of the implementation status of previously signed MoUs.

• Deliberation on new MoUs in diplomatic, defence, trade, and investment cooperation.

• A review of the agreed minutes from the 1st JPC session.

• Engagements with exhibitors showcasing Ugandan products across multiple sectors, including agro-industrialisation, tourism, mineral development, and science, technology, and innovation.

Participating companies included Inspire Africa Coffee, Lato, Supreme Flour, Kampala Pharmaceutical Industries, Tooke Flour, Dei BioPharma, Brookside, Mac Bee Honey, IUIU, MHS, Karibu Coffee, NETA, NuCafe, Eastman Minerals, DEEQA Construction, and Eastman Carbon.

The session concluded with the signing of the agreed minutes between the Republic of Uganda and the Federal Republic of Somalia, marking another milestone in their growing bilateral cooperation.