The statement comes at a time when Somalia is experiencing heightened political tensions between the presidency and several opposition politicians, raising concerns in some quarters about how international forces stationed in the country might respond to such situations. Uganda stressed that its troops would never interfere in Somalia’s internal political affairs and would maintain strict neutrality.

Uganda is currently the largest troop-contributing country to the African Union mission in Somalia, with thousands of soldiers deployed across different regions of the country for many years.

Ugandan troops first arrived in Somalia in 2007 during the early stages of the African Union peacekeeping mission established to support Somalia’s federal authorities. Since then, Uganda’s forces have played a major role in securing Mogadishu and participating in military operations against the militant group Al-Shabaab.

Ugandan officials stated that their forces are in Somalia solely to fulfill their assigned security and stabilization mandate and will avoid siding with any political faction or individual politician. They further emphasized that the African Union mission is intended to support Somalia’s state institutions and preserve national stability, not to interfere in political competition or internal disputes.

The statement is widely seen as an effort to calm growing concerns regarding the role of foreign troops in Somalia, particularly during periods of political disagreement and instability.

Many analysts believe the neutrality of African Union peacekeeping forces is essential for maintaining public trust and confidence among Somalia’s political stakeholders.

Uganda remains one of the longest-serving contributors to peacekeeping operations in Somalia, with its forces having spent nearly two decades supporting security efforts and the rebuilding of Somali state institutions. The Ugandan government reaffirmed that it will continue supporting Somalia’s security, while avoiding any involvement in the country’s political rivalries or disputes.

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