A total of 498 military officers, including 48 members of the Somali National Army (SNA), have successfully completed an intensive one-year advanced military training program in Uganda, aimed at enhancing regional defense cooperation and strengthening professional military capabilities.
The graduation ceremony took place in Uganda and was attended by the President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Somali Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Fardowsa Mohamed Qanyare, and senior officers from both the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) and the Somali National Army.
The course, conducted at one of Uganda’s premier military training institutions, focused on modern military leadership, counter-insurgency operations, command and control, peacekeeping strategies, and regional security coordination. The training was part of Uganda’s continued support for Somalia’s efforts to build a professional and self-reliant national army capable of maintaining peace and stability across the country.
Ambassador Fardowsa Mohamed Qanyare, speaking at the ceremony, congratulated the Somali officers for their discipline and commitment throughout the program. She praised Uganda for its longstanding partnership with Somalia, noting that the country has played a vital role in training Somali troops and supporting the stabilization of Somalia through the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).
“Today’s graduation marks another milestone in the strong defense cooperation between Somalia and Uganda. The skills these officers have acquired will contribute greatly to Somalia’s ongoing efforts to build a capable, unified, and professional army,” said Ambassador Qanyare.
President Yoweri Museveni commended the trainees for completing the demanding course, urging them to use their knowledge to promote peace and security in their respective countries. He reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to supporting Somalia and other regional partners in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.
The Somali officers, who are drawn from various units within the Somali National Army, underwent extensive training that included command management, operational planning, field tactics, intelligence coordination, and leadership under pressure. The program also focused on fostering regional cooperation among East African military officers.
Military officials from both nations expressed optimism that the newly trained officers will play a crucial role in strengthening the Somali National Army’s institutional framework and enhancing its ability to protect the country’s sovereignty and its people.
The graduation reflects the ongoing collaboration between Somalia and Uganda, which continues to serve as a cornerstone of regional peace and security efforts in the Horn of Africa. It also aligns with Somalia’s broader national security reform agenda aimed at rebuilding its armed forces and gradually assuming full security responsibility as ATMIS draws down.
