Somalia’s military leadership has sought expanded training and mentorship from Uganda as Mogadishu continues efforts to strengthen the capabilities of its national army amid persistent security challenges, including the fight against Al-Shabaab.
Somali National Army Commander Brigadier General Ibrahim Mohamed Mohamud made the request during a meeting with Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, in Entebbe on Sunday, October 11, 2026.
The meeting, held at the Special Forces Command headquarters in Wakiso District, focused on strengthening military cooperation between the two countries, with the Somali commander expressing appreciation for Uganda’s contribution to training and mentoring Somali troops.
The request signals Somalia’s continued interest in developing its military capacity through partnerships with regional allies as its forces confront security threats and work towards improving their operational effectiveness.
During the meeting, Brigadier General Ibrahim asked Uganda to increase its training and mentorship support for the Somali National Army, acknowledging the role played by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces in developing the capabilities of Somali troops.
The Somali commander said Uganda’s assistance had contributed significantly to strengthening the national army, particularly through programmes designed to improve soldiers’ skills and provide professional guidance.
His appeal centred on expanding an existing area of cooperation rather than establishing an entirely new military relationship, with Somalia seeking to build on support it has already received from Kampala.
Training and mentorship are important components of military capacity-building, helping troops develop operational skills, improve coordination and strengthen their ability to carry out assigned responsibilities.
However, the report did not specify the number of additional troops Somalia wants Uganda to train, the proposed duration of the programmes or whether Kampala had approved an expansion of its support.
Muhoozi Kainerugaba Discusses Stronger Bilateral Ties
General Kainerugaba, who also serves as a senior presidential adviser for special operations, welcomed the Somali commander and said continued meetings and exchanges of ideas were helping strengthen relations between the two countries.
The discussions extended beyond military training to include Somalia’s security situation, with Ibrahim briefing his Ugandan counterpart on developments in the country.
The two commanders also agreed on the importance of widening cooperation beyond security to include economic and social sectors, reflecting an interest in strengthening relations across several areas.
They encouraged Ugandan businesspeople and investors to explore opportunities in Somalia, citing security gains supported by Ugandan troops.
The appeal for investment placed an economic dimension alongside the military discussions, suggesting that both sides see potential for closer engagement beyond their longstanding security partnership.
The report did not identify specific investment projects, sectors targeted for cooperation or agreements reached on new economic initiatives.
Uganda’s Role in Somalia’s Security Efforts
Uganda has been a key contributor to African Union security operations in Somalia, deploying troops in support of the Somali government’s efforts against Al-Shabaab.
Its involvement has included supporting security operations and contributing to efforts aimed at enabling Somali authorities to strengthen their own forces and assume greater responsibility for national security.
The latest request for expanded training comes against this broader background of military cooperation, with Somalia seeking to develop its forces while maintaining partnerships with countries that have supported its security efforts.
The meeting, however, did not announce a new deployment of Ugandan troops or confirm a fresh military agreement. The reported request was specifically focused on training and mentorship, and further details about any expansion remain unclear.