Somalia Attempts to Mend Uganda Relations After Reported Dispute: Sources

MOGADISHU, Somalia – Somalia's federal government sought to secure an official visit for President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to Uganda during his recent regional diplomatic tour, but efforts have so far failed following a reported deterioration in relations between the two leaders, sources familiar with the matter revealed.

According to sources within Villa Somalia, the government attempted to arrange a formal visit to Uganda as President Hassan toured countries contributing troops to Somalia, in what officials described as a diplomatic effort to demonstrate regional support and mitigate the impact of the United States' decision to end funding for foreign forces operating in the country.

The sources said ties between President Hassan and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni deteriorated after a meeting on May 10, when Museveni reportedly urged his Somali counterpart to engage with opposition leaders and offered to help facilitate an electoral understanding ahead of the political transition.

Museveni was accompanied by his son, who serves as Uganda's military chief, during the meeting, according to the sources. They alleged that some members of the Somali federal delegation rejected the proposal, a move that reportedly angered both Museveni and his son.

Two of President Hassan's most influential advisers, together with a senior federal minister considered close to the president, have since attempted to repair relations with Kampala, the sources said. However, those efforts have not yet produced a breakthrough.

Neither the Somali presidency nor the Ugandan government has publicly commented on the reported diplomatic efforts or the alleged disagreement.

GAROWE ONLINE