Museveni Advises Somalia to Implement NRM Ideology

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has suggested that Somalia looks to the National Resistance Movement (NRM) as a source of inspiration for the prosperity and strategic security of its citizens. During a meeting with Uganda’s Ambassador to Somalia, Prof. Sam Tulya-Muhika, at State House, Entebbe, Museveni highlighted the success of NRM’s ideology in uniting a previously divided state and emphasized its potential benefits for Somalia.

Museveni recommended that Somalia consider forming a students’ movement similar to the one initiated in the 1960s, emphasizing the importance of intellectual perception. He cited historical figures like Julius Nyerere and Tom Mboya, who championed the East African Federation without succumbing to external pressures, as examples to follow.

Reflecting on his experience training Somali soldiers at Lake Albert, Museveni stressed the need for motivated individuals driven by intellectual identity rather than financial gains. He encouraged the involvement of empowered Somali youth in defending their country both militarily and ideologically, emphasizing the role of patriotism and Pan-Africanism for national unity and development.

Ambassador Muhika expressed gratitude for President Museveni’s guidance and confirmed that Somalia is contemplating the establishment of a students’ movement. He highlighted the potential contribution of Somalis who have studied in Uganda, expressing optimism about their involvement in the initiative.

The discussion between Museveni and Muhika covered diplomatic and political consultations, defense, and trade cooperation, signaling a collaborative effort to foster growth and stability in both Uganda and Somalia. Somalia joined the East African Community in 2023, becoming the eighth member of the bloc.