By Zakaria Hassan - Reporter
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MOGADISHU, Somalia — More than 100 participants from Uganda and 146 Somali participants gathered in Mogadishu this week for a cooperation conference aimed at expanding bilateral ties beyond security and diplomacy into trade and investment.
The Somalia-Uganda cooperation conference, held from 20 to 22 October, included a review of previous agreements, discussions on bilateral relations and a business exhibition that allowed traders to showcase products, meet potential partners and explore commercial opportunities.
Exhibition brings businesses together
Among the exhibitors was Junior Nuwandinda, representing Warfaa Group Holdings Ltd, who travelled from Kampala to showcase his products to Somali traders and consumers.
“I came here for the Somalia-Uganda trade exhibition. Since Somali people enjoy spices and different flavours, I believe these products are suitable for the Somali market. That is why I came here to establish business relationships and work with Somali people,” Nuwandinda said.
The exhibition gave Ugandan businesses an opportunity to learn about demand in the Somali market, while Somali traders could discover new products and explore potential partnerships.
Somali traders explore new opportunities
Somali businesswoman Faadumo Sheikh Ali said the gathering had allowed her to discover new products and share the potential of Somali businesses with Ugandan counterparts.
“We are benefiting from many things. We have seen things here that we might not otherwise have had the chance to see, and they, too, are benefiting from us. That is why this cooperation is a great success for us,” she said.
However, whether these opportunities produce tangible results will depend on whether discussions initiated at the exhibition continue and develop into business agreements that benefit both sides.
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From security to economic partnership
Somalia and Uganda have longstanding ties shaped in large part by security cooperation. Uganda has been among the countries supporting Somalia’s efforts to combat terrorism and strengthen national security, with Ugandan troops participating in security operations in the country.
The arrival of Ugandan businesspeople in Mogadishu highlights another dimension of the relationship. Alongside security cooperation, both countries are seeking to build stronger economic ties through trade, investment and private-sector participation.
This shift could create opportunities for both economies. Somalia could gain new commercial partners and access to new markets, while Uganda could expand the reach of its products to Somali consumers.
Developing this relationship will require businesses to maintain contact, establish reliable partnerships and turn initial discussions into practical commercial activities.
Free visas and easier movement
During the conference, it was announced that holders of diplomatic passports and passports issued to government employees would receive visas free of charge on arrival in both countries.
The announcement was part of discussions on facilitating movement for people involved in official relations between Somalia and Uganda. Direct visits and meetings are important for strengthening diplomatic ties and economic cooperation.
Nevertheless, the practical impact of the announcement will depend on its implementation and the official requirements governing eligibility.