Somalis are up in arms against what they called disrespecting remarks by Uganda President Yoweri Museveni about their country. Addressing the 2019 Annual Judges conference at Kampala Serena Hotel on Monday, Museveni told judges to bear in mind and know the difference between a country, nation and state while dispensing justice.
“What is a state? The state is different from country, nation. Those three words are different." said Museveni in his opening remarks.
"Country means the land where you have authority over. Nation means people of a common origin…State means organised authority over the country. You can therefore have a country without a state. We have got many examples where there’s a country but there’s no state, [where] there is no organised authority over that land. Somalia is one example. There are quite a number of examples but for diplomatic reasons I’m not going to mention them.”
Museveni's comments haven't gone well with Somali nationals who say they actually see no difference between Uganda and Somalia in terms of technological advancement or infrastructure development. In any case, some said, at least Somalia has been changing presidents and has not been "stuck" with the same "dictatorial" president for the last 33 years as Uganda pretending to preside over a 'fake' democracy.
Uganda is currently having strained diplomatic relations with neighbouring Rwanda with counter accusations of kidnap, murder and expulsion of each country's nationals being made by both countries. It is not immediately clear if Museveni's comments will also affect Somalia-Uganda relations. Somalia ambassador to US Ahmed Awad reportedly told the BBC that anyone can say what they want.
"As matter of fact, Somalis are the only people in sub-Sahara Africa that belong to one single ancestry. This unique attribute kept the Somalis together and saved their sovereignty in the face of trying times. If a small percentage of what had happened in Somalia was experienced by Uganda, the nation state that they inherited from Great Britain would be thrown into the dust pine in a short period of time. In other words, Uganda does not [have] the resilience the Somali nation has to withstand pressures." wrote Faisal A. Roble, the former editor-in-chief of WardheerNews in an opinion piece in the same newsoutlet.
"Somalis are, unlike Museveni’s misconception, still together despite a protracted civil war. Uganda would have died long time ago had similar centripetal forces were applied to its polity. Despite significant setbacks, Somalia today boasts a representative government, albeit imperfect, and a fledgling federal system with two houses of lawmakers and 5 federal member states."
Adding; "Somalis conducted a free and fair national election in 2016 where Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo defeated a well-heeled incumbent to the surprise of both nationals and foreigners. Compare this exercise in Somalia to that of Museveni’s Uganda. According to a New York Times article, “Mr. Museveni seems to be making plans either to extend his reign beyond what is now legally possible or to hand power over to his son."
"This ageing autocrat came to power in the 1980s and has ruled Uganda thus far with an ironclad. Kids who were born at that time when Museveni usurped power are in their 30s. They have not seen any other leader except Museveni."
Below are some of the other captured comments on Twitter.
Responding to recent comments by @KagutaMuseveni, #Somalia’s foreign minister @AmbAhmedAwad1 tells BBC “everyone can say whatever he wants; we don’t care what others say. We're a state internationally recognised & thats why I’m now here with my Kenyan counterpart foreign minister pic.twitter.com/MPJYrgCbcn
— Farhan Jimale (@farhanjimale) January 29, 2019
Then why Uganda is Most corrupt country in Africa, if u have a good running governance? Does he even know the history of SOM. Museveni Spoke without knowing that Somalia had held a peaceful accord in Mogadishu 1972 to save Uganda from the threat of Tanzania in 1972.
— abdikadir Kulane (@DahirAbdulle4) January 29, 2019
Idi Amin Era.
Yeah , i had been there as well. Kamapala is just garbage. Almost half of the population is unemployed sitting in the streets. Surprising thing the main transportation media is bodha boda (motor cylce) a capital city with zero taxi , bus and train services wtf#Uganda #Somalia
— hermano (@kaahil11) January 30, 2019
Breaking news
— Mohamed Hussein (@mohaazhussni) January 30, 2019
The federal government of somalia has cut ties with the govt of Uganda..
This decision follows the sentiment of president yoweri kaguta museveni of blatantly calling somalia
“The problems of Africa, and Uganda in particular, are caused by leaders who overstay which breeds corruption and impunity." Yoweri Museveni, Inaugural Speech, 29 January 1986. #Somalia pic.twitter.com/GDmvzB2MqA
— Rahma Dualeh (@R_Dualeh) January 30, 2019
The others are South Sudan and Central Africa Republic and DRC.
— Seeftabanaanka (@OneNationOnePeo) January 30, 2019
He doesn't mind to mention Somalia because in his own eyes there will be no consequence to Uganda. @KagutaMuseveni what you did will effect your country in years to come just wait when we start exporting oil!
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Somalia, Ahmed Awad addressed the Uganda President's statement, saying: "We are sending a message to the government and we will respond slowly to the Musaveni, but I want to clarify it. pic.twitter.com/ySPX9QOppg
— Bashir Mohamed Dahir (@BashirD38491517) January 30, 2019
Adduunyoy Xaalkaa Ba!
— Abdirahman Hussien🇸🇴🇹🇷 (@Abdirah90680663) January 30, 2019
Museveni forgot the( Mogadishu Peace Accord of 1972) Somalia saved Uganda under Idi Amin from a deadly threat from Tanzania in 1972 pic.twitter.com/4qST6NgKf1
Without somalia uganda wouldn't be at the place they are today. he should be grateful to as at anytime. we were once called " the African lions". Sooner or later we will be back again insha alaah. we did you something that the UN failed to do for you. but u r so selfish monkey. https://t.co/ljWRcwlog0
— Abdalla Mohamed Abdi (@bistey61) January 30, 2019
#Somalia's Foreign Minister called Yoweri Museveni a "Liar" in an interview with the BBC Somali section ..... #Uganda pic.twitter.com/Jq0lq9VqQC
— Rooble Mohamed (@Rooble2009) January 30, 2019
Somalia is in conflict with politics, but it does not allow foreign mercenaries like the uganda
— barwaaqo Ahmed (@farhiaAhmed18) January 30, 2019
@NabadiyoNololl Mogadishu Accord of 1972, how Somalia averted Uganda – Tanzania war
— Hawa (@Hawa96831901) January 30, 2019
Both Kenya and Uganda have their Soldiers in Somalia as part of @amisomsomalia but their belief in Somalia is again Contrasting.@KagutaMuseveni defined Somalia as Stateless while @UKenyatta describes Somalia a nation rising higher.@SomaliPM @M_Farmaajo @MofaSomalia pic.twitter.com/H8TETda82v
— Mohamed Osman Mohamed (@Ore_Osman1) January 30, 2019
@KagutaMuseveni has been President of Uganda for longer than Somalia has been in civil war, same Somalia has had more democratic change of Presidents than Uganda.... wait! Uganda has never had a democratic change of Govt! 🤦🏿♂️🤦🏿♂️🤦🏿♂️
— Tosh🇰🇪 (@cgitosh) January 30, 2019
mr old man u r corrupted selfish uneducated dog who is not grateful of what history teaches u I am lucky that I am not from Uganda otherwise I could have hunged myself to death to have such president who is senseless from #SOMALIA the most blessed country 🇸🇴🇸🇴🇸🇴🤘
— Xiife cigaal (@XiifeC) January 30, 2019
When President @KagutaMuseveni said #Somalia is a failed state many Somalians went online calling him a dictator. 1 day later Somalia is named as the world’s most corrupt country. Is Somalia ONLINE GOV. going 2 issue Persona non Grata #Uganda #Somaliland https://t.co/133EjiI6L0
— Somalilanders (@Somaalilanders) January 30, 2019
Dajjal relatives have been calling Somalia a failed state for more than 20 years. For the sake of the Somali citizens who live in Uganda we should overlook what the President of Uganda said about Somalia. pic.twitter.com/uPDNtDEMaP
— Rooble Melvin (@RoobleMelvin) January 30, 2019
What goes up comes down! #Somalia will soon rise up and regain it’s s pride and reputation.
— Diini Jama (@DiiniJama) January 30, 2019
Now a fragile state, #Somalia once saved #Uganda and #Tanzania from a deadly war in 1972. @M_Farmaajo @KagutaMuseveni https://t.co/VCHe6UpTVu
No need to shed a light on @SomaliPM wife dual citizenship! Actually,this is a diplomatic response to erratic dotard @KagutaMuseveni of #Uganda statement who forgot that #Somalia pays his bills & extended his presidency as @TheVillaSomalia rehabilitated his Acholi rebel solders! https://t.co/LbynINo3M3
— Jay (@SomaliaNews24) January 30, 2019
Dear President Museveni, respect is how to treat everyone, not just those you want to show off, remember in early 1970's if there is no Somali Government the Uganda today would be a part of Tanzania. We must all look back, where there were Somalia today. Please watch on Somalia https://t.co/ixEbxOyE29
— (Abdi Haqdon/سننتصر) (@Globalworks1) January 29, 2019
Remember this history,this is A somalia!
— Abdikadir Alasow (@Abdiqadirxidig) January 29, 2019
Somalia it comes Again,like this
Museveni forgot the( Mogadishu Peace Accord of 1972) Somalia saved Uganda under Idi Amin from a deadly threat from Tanzania in 1972 pic.twitter.com/cYtwleuwKP pic.twitter.com/lOZjde7RFZ
To #Museveni; Dear sir, as you eat your Matoke tonight, please google the history of Somalia and Uganda. Infact learn how in 1972 Prez Siad Barre brokered a peace deal betwn Uganda and Tanzania in Mogadishu. Its sad to hear you challenge the Sovereignty of #Somalia
— Miraj Mohamud (@mirajmiskiz) January 29, 2019
Musaveni wants to keep his troops in Somalia so he can constinously milk the donor funds. The Somali govt & donors want AMISOM plan its exit. Somali govt, FMS, & their patrons want also to speed up the training of Somali security forces. Of course this bothers Musaveni and UK.
— H. Mohamed (@Gegiroor) January 29, 2019
Many countries in Africa have democracy election like somalia .but there are other african countries who haven't democracy election like Uganda is one of them
— ADAM Enow (@EnowAdam) January 29, 2019
I will not mation them because of diplomatic reasons
The Octogenarian is getting messed up.
— Abdikadir Ali (@_biriks) January 29, 2019
Somalia Stood with Uganda before u came to power. https://t.co/gCjEpG2z7C
"There are many countries that have no free elections.
— Abdurrahman Maki🇸🇴 (@abdurahman_maki) January 29, 2019
Mr @KagutaMuseveni if #Somalia is without nation and #Uganda is state with #dictatorship leader.#RIP
Mogadishu Accord way before Kampala Accord: October 7, 1972 - Uganda & Tanzania signed a peace agreement brokered by Siad Barre.
— Mustaf Kasim (@MustafKasim) January 29, 2019
Had it not been Somalia , Uganda would have been a province of Tanzania. pic.twitter.com/UkVEBK8cTl
The FG of Somalia should look other polite country who can occupy the position of Uganda forces, and then they have to kick out those troops from Uganda because right now we don't have confidence this troops that they can bring stability.
— Ibrahim Gamelo (@IbrahimGamelo) January 29, 2019
I rather live in a Somalia that is filled with tomorrow’s hopes than in Uganda where prospects are dim.
— Daud Macruf (@DaudMacruf) January 29, 2019
Such immoral dictator @KagutaMuseveni who has been the president of #Uganda since 1986, who committed unlawful killings, torture and violations of human rights. whose his people are dying for poverty to abuse government of #Somalia verbally: is shameful and unacceptable!
— Amin Zahid (@aminzahidoffic) January 29, 2019
Yes I agree your point,no one can deny our weaknesses but the way he released the statement it was not a diplomatic way,it was some how matter of provoking,there is a lot of things b/w Somalia &Uganda -he ignored everything.
— Ibrahim Gamelo (@IbrahimGamelo) January 29, 2019
Former somalia minister of foreign affairs ( Omar arte ghalib ) in nairobi for mediation between Uganda and tanzania in ( 27--09--1972 ) pic.twitter.com/j6YK39s87D
— Abdirashid Muhiadin (@AbdirashidMuxu1) January 29, 2019
Your completely right! Now it’s up to Farmaajo to make a move. Uganda isn’t doing that for free! They get paid by the name of “Somalia” & this over the top disrespect can’t be tolerated. Let’s see the power of #NabadIyoNolol
— Iman Ali (@imanmali) January 29, 2019
If he said so than less said about Uganda the better I mean war torn country #Somalia is top there with the world in terms of skills technology knowledge education no state I guess the guy smoked deferent hebs
— Faysal siraaji raaxeeye (@Raaxeeye9) January 29, 2019
Strong #Somalia government sep.1972 minister for foreign affairs in Nairobi trying to mediate political dispute between #Uganda and #Tanzania and yesterday the president of #Uganda put the sovereignty of #somalia government on question mark. @HarunMaruf pic.twitter.com/anuDOmb3Ug
— Abdalla (@Abdalla68058080) January 29, 2019
Watch the vedio on how Somalia saved Uganda from the Jaws of Tanzania. Please Respect the country that save you pic.twitter.com/3KXUD2d9B3
— Gelle Yousif (@GelleA5) January 29, 2019
Mr Abdallahi Boitaan, just to let you know that it was actually Museveni who invaded Uganda from Tanzania. So Somalia's intervention delayed his presidential ambitions.
— Jamil Tum (@TumJamil) January 29, 2019
@KagutaMuseveni owes the people of #Somalia & The federal republic of #Somalia an apology. @M_Farmaajo should ask #Uganda to withdraw from Somalia & replace them with 🇹🇷 trained troops or ask #Tanzania for help.
— Iman Ali (@imanmali) January 29, 2019
If this isn’t an attack on Somali sovereignty I don’t know what is pic.twitter.com/cbNPfJUv2S
President Museveni of Uganda is a colourful man and his utterances at times very nonsensical.
— Dhabaroo (@Dhabaroo1) January 29, 2019
His remarks on Somalia will not undermine the efforts of the Somali people and the Government.
We have far more worst distractors in our midst than K.Museveni.
We will climb from abyss
Ugandans go to bed praying for their dictator to pass away in his sleep while average Farax in Somalia prays that his government continues the course of improvements.I rather live in a Somalia that is filled with tomorrow’s hopes than in Uganda where prospects are dim.~By Faisal
— Daud Macruf (@DaudMacruf) January 29, 2019
Museveni forgot the mugdishu peace accord of 1972 Somalia saved Uganda under idi amiin dada from a deadly threat from Tanzania muzee Rmb that 1972 siyad bare. Somebody to tell the old man we don't tolerate such kind tinting mouth. pic.twitter.com/hNOksOzHpl
— yahyaidle (@yahyaidle3) January 29, 2019
May be it is time we kicked Uganda out of Somalia. Remember his incompetent army is earning millions through Amisom although they have given up the war on Shabaab long time ago.
— Ally clay (@Allyclay) January 29, 2019
Kenya is upbeat about #Somalia's stability, progress and global recognition on a day Mogadishu makes the BIG pivot to Nairobi barely 48hrs after Uganda cast Somalia in bad light. pic.twitter.com/YReORXVMsj
— 🚴 (@The_Optics) January 29, 2019
" It is true that Somalia is still fragile state with AMISOM-including Uganda Forces, as Peacekeepers But we have had democratic power transfers for nearly 20 years while Kaguta Museveni has been in power for a lifetime since I was three years old@MofaSomalia @TheVillaSomalia pic.twitter.com/msr6OAfNGV
— Mohamed Isma,il (محمد اسماعيل (الكاتب (@Philosophy2019) January 29, 2019
The irony is @KagutaMuseveni is the one that’s backing the efforts to create an organized authority to run Somalia. These words are basically undermining the sacrifice of the Brave men and women of Uganda. #Reckless https://t.co/qPiwSJ9EsM
— Shirwa adan (@shirwa_adan) January 29, 2019
History won't help now. Somalia is in sorry state currently. Uganda guards Somalia, museveni qualified to say so.
— abdulkheir adow (@abdikheiradow) January 29, 2019
I'm sorry Yuweri Museveni don't know the past history of somalia, this photo shows us a bit what we did the ugand gov. it was reconciliation b/w uganda and Tanzania this meeting held in mogadishu. Great Somalia.@KagutaMuseveni. pic.twitter.com/lwQjla9hyj
— Hanad A. Isak 🇸🇴🇩🇯. (@halyeyabdisalam) January 29, 2019
enough retaliation
— Abdinasir H.Ali Jees (@AbdinasirJees) January 29, 2019
Uganda:1-somalia:1 https://t.co/U2YERzFEh5
LOL
— Somalia Live Update (@HassanIstiila) January 29, 2019
There are many countries that put pressure their citizens, no real democracy and under dictatorship system. Uganda is one of them.
There are others but I will not mention them for diplomatic reasons. #NTVNews https://t.co/OaC9gYSRgm
To #Museveni; Dear sir, as you eat your Matoke tonight, please google the history of Somalia and Uganda. Infact learn how in 1972 Prez Siad Barre brokered a peace deal betwn Uganda and Tanzania in Mogadishu. Its sad to hear you challenge the Sovereignty of #Somalia
— Miraj Mohamud (@mirajmiskiz) January 29, 2019
Somali sovereignty can't be violated by @KagutaMuseveni. If he doesn't appologise, my nation has to recall our Ambassador to Uganda and expell his from Somalia. We shall see the looser. Somalia is happy without the Ugandan diplomatic violation.
— Abdirashid Muhiadin (@AbdirashidMuxu1) January 29, 2019
SOMALIA SOMALI BA LEH....
it is true that somalia is still fragile state with amisom-including uganda forces, as peacekeepers. but don't forget we had democratic power transfers for nearly 20 years. while #museveni has been in power for a lifetime sice i was unborn
— Diplomacy Abdullahi Osman (@OsmanDiplomacy) January 29, 2019
Somalia could be categorised as a failed state today, but 46 years ago it mediated in a peace deal to prevent Uganda and her southern neighbour Tanzania from going to war (Mogadishu Peace Accord of 1972).
— IWAT SOLUTIONS (@iwat_solutions) January 29, 2019
#somalia #museveni #uganda #Mogadishu
Uganda is not far away from https://t.co/dcKamwDDB9 have better government than Somalia and still falling in the list of top ten poor country's in the world
— Shafici khalifaa (@Shafi20925857) January 29, 2019
M7 is a dictator who can talk whatever he thinks but at least #Somalia isn't ruled by an authoritarian leader like #Uganda that seems the country with no state. https://t.co/Atr6cPtfqI
— Is-haq Early (@jnrEarly) January 29, 2019
M7 has himself mentioned other countries but would not say their names because of diplomatic reasons. But yet, Uganda wouldn’t give the same diplomatic respect to Somalia. Would @M_Farmaajo act or is their a different standards for Uganda, Kenya & Ethiopia?
— Iman Ali (@imanmali) January 29, 2019
Once upon time Uganda was stateless and Somalia forces supported Ugandan government to re-gain its authority.
— Mohamed Abdishakur Osman (@MohamedAbdish16) January 29, 2019
Somalia shouldn't cut diplomatic ties with Uganda by writing inconsequential letters but by closing down their consulate and kicking Ugandan boots out of Somalia.
— Hussein Adan (@Sibaamo) January 29, 2019
If they can't do this (of which we know they can't), they should Museveni be. Whatever he is saying is right.
"Persona non grata to all the #Uganda troops in @amisomsomalia that operate in #Somalia" I was expecting that sort of an answer from the minister. 😂😂😂
— Mahmud Ali (@xuudi10) January 29, 2019
“The comments of a frail old dictator cannot harm Somalia or deter the progress made.
— Mohamad Hussien🇸🇴 (@rooyid4) January 29, 2019
The reality is that Somalia is a democratic, recovering state not a dictatorship.
We pray for our brothers and sisters in Uganda peaceful power transfer after Museveni.”@BileAbdisalam #Somalia
This clearly shows that Uganda doesn't want to have relations with Somalia, but yet Somalia lets Ugandan troops occupy the country.. Great job, @M_Farmaajo ... https://t.co/9wSDDfjXQI
— Yaquub (@YaquubAKG) January 29, 2019