Uganda and Somalia have recently reinforced their longstanding diplomatic and defense cooperation amid heightened regional instability and ongoing threats from al-Shabaab militancy[4][8]. In early 2025, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia paid official visits to Uganda, where he and President Yoweri Museveni reaffirmed bilateral ties, discussed regional security, and pledged further defense cooperation to address shared security challenges in the Horn of Africa[4][6].
These efforts have gained urgency as al-Shabaab mounted a significant offensive in July 2025, reclaiming key towns near Mogadishu—including Sabiid and Anole—following the withdrawal of African Union and Somali government forces. The renewed insurgent activity marks a setback for Somalia’s federal government and raises alarms over the group’s ambitions to isolate Mogadishu and disrupt state authority[1][5].
Amid these developments, Uganda has solidified its role as a primary contributor to African Union peacekeeping missions, transitioning from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) to the new African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). Uganda’s security leadership is further enhanced by its chairmanship of AU security initiatives and its prominent voice in shaping the mission’s objectives and deployment[2][3].
Both governments have directed their defense institutions to expedite the implementation of a recent bilateral defense cooperation agreement, aimed at increasing the operational capacity of Somali security forces and enhancing coordination against extremist threats. The latest meetings also saw Uganda reaffirming its commitment to support Somalia’s security development plan, while Somalia formally invited President Museveni for a reciprocal visit to Mogadishu, underscoring ongoing diplomatic engagement and solidarity[4][6].
On the ground, AUSSOM operations—supported by regional partners and international airpower—continue to focus on reclaiming territory from al-Shabaab. Despite some tactical gains, the group’s resurgence illustrates persistent gaps in international coordination and underscores the pivotal importance of sustained, unified efforts from both Uganda and Somalia[1][5].
References
- [1] Al-Shabaab’s 2025 Offensive and the Unraveling of Somalia’s Federal Counterinsurgency – The Soufan Center
- [2] The Museveni Factor: Somalia 2025 and Funding the forever war – Horn Review
- [3] Update on the situation in Somalia and AUSSOM operations – Amani Africa
- [4] Somalia, Uganda Discuss Regional Security and Defense Cooperation – SONNA
- [5] Somalia, April 2025 Monthly Forecast – Security Council Report
- [6] President Museveni commended HE Mohamud, his government and … – Uganda Media Centre
- [8] Uganda And Somalia Pledge To Strengthen Defence Cooperation – Uganda Ministry of Defence