We [Uganda] urgently need an Embassy in Somalia: Captain Paddy Ankunda

[General Duke]

We urgently need an Embassy in Somalia

Tuesday, 5th June, 2007 article

 

 

By Capt. Paddy Ankunda

 

I had the honour to be invited to the opening of the Ethiopian Embassy in Mogadishu on May 26. The function, I must say, was rather colourful. It was attended by Somali President HE Abdullahi Yusuf, the Prime Minister, Hon Mohamed Gedi, several government ministers, the mayor of Mogadishu, His Worship Mohamad Dere and other VIPs.

 

The Prime Minister started it all by calling upon other countries to emulate Ethiopia and open embassies in the Somali capital. As soon as he said that, the BBC correspondent, who was seated just next to me asked: “When are you guys opening your embassy?”

 

I boldly told him that the Ugandan envoy had already been appointed and what was remaining is for him to relocate to Mogadishu and start shuttling. I hope time will not prove me to be a liar.

 

The opening of the Ethiopian embassy reminded me of the experience Ugandans went through in Juba. Fortunately, that was when I was working as the Government of Uganda Spokesman to the Peace talks with the LRA there.

 

Apparently, some countries like Kenya had moved fast and signed an Economic Cooperation agreement with the Government of South Sudan and their businessmen found no trouble at all in entrenching their commercial hegemony in Juba. While our businessmen were being arrested in Yei, Kenyans were busy finalising deals.

 

Although Uganda contributed immensely to the entire liberation struggle, it was evident that the mechanisms to help our people reap where they sowed had not been put in place. Four months later, our Ministry of Foreign Affairs did the needful and Ugandans are now happily competing with all the others.

 

Back to Mogadishu, I have seen a number of delegations come and go, of course wearing a humanitarian gear. I also see on a daily basis commercial aircrafts land and take off, offloading passengers and taking cargo. Mogadishu seaport is now one of the busiest ports north of Mombasa. Dubai is just a stone throw.

 

One can see that Somalia clearly provides a new commercial opening for East Africa to the Asian continent.

Besides, Somalis have not hidden their love for ‘Ugandes’ (the way they call us).

 

It is therefore possible that we can tap into this goodwill and assist the Somalis to regain stability but also tap into this stability to further our relationship with the Somali people especially in areas of trade. Despite the 16 years of conflict, Somalia boasts of one of the most successful telecommunication networks on the continent.

 

This is where MTN and UTL come into the picture. In Somalia, you can sell anything because everything is lacking. The TFG is slowly but steadily taking shape. Relative security has equally returned. I sincerely urge Ugandans to give it a try.

 

To begin with, our investors in air transport can make some flights. This will more importantly enable us to connect back home.

 

However, it will also provide an opportunity to thousands of Somalis living in Uganda to come back to their country after many years.

 

AU troops (UPDF) have fully secured the airport. This includes the security of a 10km stretch for landing and take off. There should therefore be no reason to worry.

 

Of course, I write all this in view of the hope that the Ugandan envoy will come soon and not turn me into a liar.

 

The writer is the AU Spokesman for the UPDF contingent in Somal

[rudy-Diiriye]

duke take a break now! i am here...! lol

[ANWAR]

Mogadishu seaport is now one of the busiest ports north of Mombasa. Dubai is just a stone throw.

..............................................

 

two boats come in and out is nothing

[Gordon Gekko]

The captain has noticed what many of us always have thought. I just hope they don't take over too many businesses before I do

[General Duke]

Uganda oo Safaarad Soomaliya ka furaneysa.

Last Updated::2007-06-06 15:12:33

 

Mogadischo:-Afahayeenka Ciidamada AMISOM Captain Pady Akunda ayaa shaaca ka qaadey in Uganda oo Safaarad ka furata Caasimada Soomaliya ay tahay wax Sumcad u ah wadankiisa isla markaana uu daneynayo.

 

 

Kabtanku waxaa uu sheegey in Uganda oo noqota Dawlada ku xigta Ethiopia oo safaarad ka furata Caasimada Soomaliya ee Muqdisho ay tahy wax aad loogu farxo isla markaana uu isugu shakhsi ahaantiisa uu daneynayo.

 

Waxaa uu sheegey Captain Paddy Akunda in ra’iisul wasaaraha Soomaliya Cali Maxamed geedi uu horey ugu baaqey wadamada kale ee Caalamka in ay ka furtaan Caasimada Soomaaliya Safaaradahooda isla markaana ay ka qeyb qaataan hawlaha dib u dhiska wadanka Soomaaliya.

 

Afhayeenka Ciidamada waxaa uu sheegey in xili horeba loo magacaabey Safiirka Uganda ee Soomaaliya, waxaana uu sheegey in ay harsantahay oo qura in uu ka hawl gallo Soomaaliya oo uu ka furto Safaarad.

 

Hadii wadanka Uganda ay macqul noqoto in ay ka furuto wadanka Soomaaliya Safarad waxaa hubaal ah in ay noqoneyso wadankii labaad oo safaarad ka furta Caasimada Soomaaliya ee Muqdisho oo haatan wali ay nabad gelyo dari ay ka jirto.

 

Uganda waxaa ka jooga Soomaaliya Ciidamada Nabd ilaalin ah oo ku hawl galayo Magaca AMISOM oo gaaryaa ilaa iyo 1500 oo Askari.

 

Mohamed Ali (dalmar)

Horseednet News Desk.

[Libaax-Sankataabte]

Very interesting letter.

[Fabregas]

Quote:In Somalia, you can sell anything because everything is lacking

 

Tell Mr Paddy Somalia is not for sale, go back and fix your own country! Also Mr Paddy is suppose to be neutral not talking about Ethiopian endeavours/emulation and whatnot.

 

Quote:His Worship Mohamad Dere and other VIPs.

 

Is he being called "His Worship" because he is a war "Lord" or is their another reason.

[Gordon Gekko]

^^ Is qabooji geelow. You will be able to sell and buy your camels too.

[General Duke]

^^^lol. Protocol has returned. Viva the third republic