Uganda’s Commitment to Somali-led Peace & Security Unwavering, Defence Minister to UN Special Envoy

The Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs, Vincent Bamulangaki Ssempijja has met the UN Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, Ms Hannah Tetteh at the Ministry of Defence Headquarters in Mbuya.

During the meeting, Ssempijja and Tetteh discussed various matters of regional security including the significance of a peaceful and stable Somalia to the region.

Ssempijja underscored Uganda’s unwavering commitment to supporting Somali- led peace and security processes to achieve long term peace and development in Somalia.

“We do this in the spirit of Pan-Africanism. Not only for Africa, but for everybody to be safe, Somalia needs to be peaceful and stable.” Ssempijja observed.

On her part, Tetteh applauded UPDF’s instrumental role in stabilizing Somalia since 2007.

She further reiterated the importance of cohesion among major partners, together with the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) to enable the smooth transfer of security responsibilities from African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) to Somali National Security Forces (SNSF) by December 31, 2024 when ATMIS is expected to fully exit Somalia.

“There is need for concerted and coordinated efforts from all the partners so as to enable Somalia to achieve its National Transition Plan.” Ms Tetteh remarked.

Both parties concurred on the need to continue strengthening the discussions and areas of cooperation on regional security to achieve their shared vision of a peaceful and stable Horn Africa.

In  attendance were; the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs  Mrs Rosette Byengoma, the Joint Chief of Staff Maj Gen Leopold Kyanda and the Defence Spokesperson Brig Gen Felix Kulayigye.