Our reporter
Somali Prime Minister, Hassan Khayre, has commended the Ugandan government for contribution made in ending the decade-long civil war and bringing back hope for peace and security in the horn of Africa country.
Mr. Khayre made the remarks at a ceremony hosted by the Ugandan embassy in Somalia, Monday, to mark 55th Independence Anniversary of the East African Nation.
Mr. Khayre, however, noted that a lot more needs to be done to ensure the country achieves lasting peace and security.
“While immense gains have been made, a number of tasks still remain. We ask Uganda and our other African brothers and sisters and AMISOM for your continued support. Your support at this point is very crucial not only to build on our successes so far but also to address the outstanding challenges and build further on the gains we have made together. We know the Mission in Somalia is not without its challenges but we are confident that we will together soldier on,” he added.
The Prime Minister commended Africa’s founding fathers whose sacrifices, he noted, had made it possible for the people not only to rule themselves but also determine their destiny and values.
On his part, the Ugandan Ambassador to Somalia, Major General Nathan Mugisha, congratulated the people and government of Somalia on the gains made in the past years.
Maj. Gen. Mugisha reiterated Uganda’s commitment to continue helping Somalia stabilize by ensuring, among others, training and mentoring of its security forces.
“Uganda congratulates the Federal Government leadership, the Somali National Forces, AMISOM, the people of Somalia and the international community for the hard earned security gains,” the Ambassador said.
Maj. Gen. Mugisha, nonetheless, cautioned that there was need to ensure the sustainability of the achievements made through enhanced support of AMISOM, securing predictable funding and building the Somali National Army and Somali Police.
He appealed to the international community and stakeholders to continue supporting the Somali people, to enable them build on the socio-economic and political progress so far achieved.
Uganda has the highest number of troops in Somalia and was the first country to heed to the international community’s appeal to intervene and help bring back peace and stability in Somalia.
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