BILATERAL TALKS: Speaker Jacob Oulanyah Meets Somali Envoy,Hails Relationships

By PATRICK JARAMOGI

KAMPALA-SHIFT MEDIA- Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon Jacob Oulanyah has hailed the bilateral relationship existing between Uganda and the Federal Republic of Somalia.

Oulanyah made the remarks while meeting the Somali Ambassador to Uganda H.E Ali Mohamed Mohamud at his offices at the Parliament on Tuesday.

Mohamed had led a delegation of Somali Embassy staff as he paid a courtesy call at the newly elected Speaker.

“ I am impressed by the fact that you decided to personally come and check on me,” said Jacob Oulanyah.

He also expressed his gratitude at the existing bilateral relationship that has seen so many Somali nationals invest and do business in Uganda. “I will engage parliament further to see that the parliamentarians in Uganda and Somalia engage in all avenues,” he said.

The Somali Ambassador to Uganda H.E Mohamud Mohamed said they (Somalia) acknowledge and appreciate the bilateral relations between Somalia and Uganda.
“I acknowledged and appreciate the Ugandan Government especially Parliament, and the nation at large for the continued support rendered to Somalia through patriotic and wise legislation,” he said.

 

He also complimented Rt. Hon Jacob Oulanyah upon his election as the new Speaker of Parliament. Oulanyah replaced Rt. Hon Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga to steer the 11th parliament.

H.E Mohamed also recognized the contribution of AMISOM in the process of liberating Somalia from fangs of terrorists.
He applauded Uganda’s heroic and critical role saying that Mogadishu is highly indebted to those efforts.

The envoy also stressed the personal input of President Yoweri Museveni, the UPDF and related armed forces in Uganda, and paid glowing tribute to the fallen soldiers, especially the late Lt. Gen. Paul Lokech, who was nicknamed the “LION OF MOGADISHU.”

He particularly expressed his gratitude towards parliament for the legislative support that enabled the Uganda People’s Defense Force move into Somalia.

“I do encourage more efforts towards a continued cooperation between the two parliaments, especially the coming new parliament in Mogadishu,” he said.
The envoy also stressed the desire to enhance relations between the two legislative bodies.

“I pray that government of Uganda also shows interest in involvement and participation of Somali Community in Uganda, especially the youth and women in Socio-economic Development Presidential Initiatives such as the anticipate Parish model,” he said.

In a special way, the envoy conveyed the message of appreciation from the Somali community to President Museveni, Parliament, the UPDF and all Ugandans and invited the Speaker to visit Somali parliament.