Somalilandsun – President Yoweri Museveni has said that peace is a prerequisite for the people of Somalia to trade and lead normal lives.
The President was speaking during a meeting with the visiting Italian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Lapo Pistelli, who called on the President at his country home in Rwakitura, Kiruhuura district.
He told the Italian Minister that security work is not yet accomplished in Somalia because the peace-keeping forces in the war-torn Horn of Africa country are not enough. He stressed that zonal forces in that country must remain there in order to prevent the Al Shabaab terrorists from re-entering those areas that have been secured. He noted that more forces and better equipment are needed in order to ensure security.
President Museveni informed the Italian guest that the modernization is the politics of Africa where the people on the continent need both monetary and non-monetary economies.
“Security is fundamental. We must help the ordinary people. They are held hostage by the clowns who are not working in the interest of the people”, he observed.
He also said patriotism and nationalism are key factors to prosperity adding that the African business class needs peace in order to produce and sell. He revealed that the current target was to chase away the fascists and conduct elections in Somalia. Mr. Museveni, while making particular reference to Somalia, said that a good army needs to recruit the educated youths in order to ensure efficiency.
Turning to the development co-operation between Italy and Uganda, the President thanked the Italian Government for its support to Matany Hospital in Moroto District and other projects in Northern Uganda.
Mr. Museveni and his guest also discussed issues in the Great Lakes Region with reference to the security situation in neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The Italian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Lapo Pistelli saluted the President for his efforts to restore peace in Somalia. He said that Local Government mechanisms and set-ups are important in ensuring a secure environment in Somalia.
He also commended President Museveni for enabling the Italian contractor, Salini to complete the construction of Bujagali hydro power station. He said that the dam project strengthened further the co-operative relations between Uganda and Italy.
ENDS
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