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.
Below are some of the other captured comments on Twitter.
Farhan Jimale✔@farhanjimale
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
NTV UGANDA✔@ntvuganda
There are many countries that have no State. They are there but they have no organised authority that runs them, Somalia is one of them. There are others but I will not mention them for diplomatic reasons – President @KagutaMuseveni #NTVNews http://www.ntv.co.ug/live
abdikadir Kulane@DahirAbdulle4Then 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.
Idi Amin Era.
hermano@kaahil11
Mohamed Hussein@mohaazhussniBreaking news
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
Rahma Dualeh@R_Dualeh
Ali H. Warsame@alihwarsameMr Rashid: how do you see the final sentence in his remarks “There are others but I will not mention them for diplomatic reasons….”?
Seeftabanaanka@OneNationOnePeoThe others are South Sudan and Central Africa Republic and DRC.
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!
Bashir Mohamed Dahir@BashirD38491517
Abdirahman Hussien@Abdirah90680663
Adduunyoy Xaalkaa Ba!
Museveni forgot the( Mogadishu Peace Accord of 1972) Somalia saved Uganda under Idi Amin from a deadly threat from Tanzania in 1972
‘s other Tweets
Abdalla Mohamed Abdi@bistey61Without 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.
Abdalla Mohamed Abdi@bistey61When an African dictator gets old he comes up with dumn speach. that #uganda president forgot that our former president M S B acted as peace broker to intermediate hostilty b/w uganda and Tanzania.and now he is mocking our country that destroyed by Civil wars.
Rooble Mohamed@Rooble2009
barwaaqo Ahmed@farhiaAhmed18Somalia is in conflict with politics, but it does not allow foreign mercenaries like the uganda
Hawa@Hawa96831901@NabadiyoNololl Mogadishu Accord of 1972, how Somalia averted Uganda – Tanzania war
Mohamed Osman Mohamed@Ore_Osman1Both 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
Tosh@cgitosh
@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!
‘s other Tweets
Yoweri K Museveni✔@KagutaMuseveni
I am pleased to see such partnerships and hope that more of the same can be established in different parts of the country, especially with focus on value-addition to agricultural produce.
Xiife cigaal@XiifeCmr 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
Somalilanders@SomaalilandersWhen 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://mol.im/a/6643529
Somalia named as world’s most corrupt country, as US rating falls
A Berlin-based corruption watchdog says America has fallen below average for democracies in its corruption score, as it cites Denmark as the least corrupt and Somalia as the most.
dailymail.co.uk
Rashid Abdi@RAbdiCGAm sure @TheVillaSomalia will not be amused by these off-script remarks by M7.
Rooble Melvin@RoobleMelvinDajjal 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
Diini Jama@DiiniJamaWhat goes up comes down! #Somalia will soon rise up and regain it’s s pride and reputation.
Now a fragile state, #Somalia once saved #Uganda and #Tanzania from a deadly war in 1972. @M_Farmaajo @KagutaMuseveni https://face2faceafrica.com/article/now-a-fragile-state-somalia-once-saved-uganda-and-tanzania-from-a-deadly-war-in-1972 …
Now a fragile state, Somalia once saved Uganda and Tanzania from a deadly war in 1972 – Face2Face…
Since 1991 after rebels overthrew the then Somali President Siad Barre, Somalia has been experiencing serious problems of political instability, economic collapse, and terrorism threats by al-Shaba…
face2faceafrica.com
Jay@SomaliaNews24No 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!
Rashid Abdi@RAbdiCGAm told @SomaliPM Kheire well-regarded in Nairobi. His marriage to a Kenyan lady and good connections with political elite ought to give him extra leverage as Kenya and Somalia embark on a new path to better cooperation.
(Abdi Haqdon/سننتصر)@Globalworks1Dear 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
NTV UGANDA✔@ntvuganda
There are many countries that have no State. They are there but they have no organised authority that runs them, Somalia is one of them. There are others but I will not mention them for diplomatic reasons – President @KagutaMuseveni #NTVNews http://www.ntv.co.ug/live
NTV UGANDA✔@ntvuganda
There are many countries that have no State. They are there but they have no organised authority that runs them, Somalia is one of them. There are others but I will not mention them for diplomatic reasons – President @KagutaMuseveni #NTVNews http://www.ntv.co.ug/live
Abdikadir Alasow@AbdiqadirxidigRemember this history,this is A somalia!
Somalia it comes Again,like thisMuseveni 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
Miraj Mohamud@mirajmiskiz
H. Mohamed@GegiroorMusaveni 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.
ADAM Enow@EnowAdamMany 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
I will not mation them because of diplomatic reasons
NTV UGANDA✔@ntvuganda
There are many countries that have no State. They are there but they have no organised authority that runs them, Somalia is one of them. There are others but I will not mention them for diplomatic reasons – President @KagutaMuseveni #NTVNews http://www.ntv.co.ug/live
Abdikadir Ali@_biriksThe Octogenarian is getting messed up.
Somalia Stood with Uganda before u came to power. https://www.facebook.com/1585437701772243/posts/2201917930124214/ …Somali Archive
Wasiirka Arimaha Dibadda Soomaaliya , oo isku dayaya inuu dhexdhexaadiyo khilaafka Tansaaniya iyo Uganda, ayaa yimi Nairobi, September 1972
facebook.com
Abdurrahman Maki“There are many countries that have no free elections.
Mr @KagutaMuseveni if #Somalia is without nation and #Uganda is state with #dictatorship leader.#RIP
‘s other Tweets
Mustaf Kasim@MustafKasim
Osman Abdi Ade@OsmanAbdiAde1President Museveni has forgotten that Somalia has passed five democratically elected presidents since the civil war broke out and him he has been ruling the country 30 solid years with force now which country is not organized? Somalia or Uganda?
Ibrahim Gamelo@IbrahimGameloThe 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.
NTV UGANDA✔@ntvuganda
There are many countries that have no State. They are there but they have no organised authority that runs them, Somalia is one of them. There are others but I will not mention them for diplomatic reasons – President @KagutaMuseveni #NTVNews http://www.ntv.co.ug/live
Daud Macruf@DaudMacrufI rather live in a Somalia that is filled with tomorrow’s hopes than in Uganda where prospects are dim.
Amin Zahid@aminzahidofficSuch 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!
Zakariya Abdikadir@Zakariya_Akadir@IbrahimGamelo i think what he talked about is an absolute truth that no one can deny cncrning the weakness of ourGovermental authority, but in the issue of nt mentioning other weak states or failed states for diplomatic aspects that is aclear diregard frm hm
Ibrahim Gamelo@IbrahimGameloYes 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.
Abdirashid Muhiadin@AbdirashidMuxu1
Muj Sarah@waddani_5
We should not forget Uganda President has sent Ugandan army women to protect Farmaajo and Somalia so he has the right to say what he wants
#somalia
Iman Ali@imanmaliYour 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
NTV UGANDA✔@ntvuganda
There are many countries that have no State. They are there but they have no organised authority that runs them, Somalia is one of them. There are others but I will not mention them for diplomatic reasons – President @KagutaMuseveni #NTVNews http://www.ntv.co.ug/live
Faysal siraaji raaxeeye@Raaxeeye9If 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
Abdalla@Abdalla68058080
NTV UGANDA✔@ntvuganda
There are many countries that have no State. They are there but they have no organised authority that runs them, Somalia is one of them. There are others but I will not mention them for diplomatic reasons – President @KagutaMuseveni #NTVNews http://www.ntv.co.ug/live
Gelle Yousif@GelleA5Watch the vedio on how Somalia saved Uganda from the Jaws of Tanzania. Please Respect the country that save you pic.twitter.com/3KXUD2d9B3
Cabdullaahi Bootaan@AbdallahBotan@KagutaMuseveni I’m telling you, if were not #Somalia in 1972, #Uganda would be apart from #Tanzania and you weren’t becoming a president. Somalia is your savior, be polite when you talking about us.
Jamil Tum@TumJamilMr 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.
Iman Ali@imanmali@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
If this isn’t an attack on Somali sovereignty I don’t know what is
Dhabaroo@Dhabaroo1President Museveni of Uganda is a colourful man and his utterances at times very nonsensical.
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
Daud Macruf@DaudMacrufUgandans 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
yahyaidle@yahyaidle3
Farhan Jimale✔@farhanjimale
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
Ally clay@AllyclayMay 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.
@The_Optics
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.
‘s other Tweets” 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
Shirwa adan@shirwa_adanThe 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
NTV UGANDA✔@ntvuganda
There are many countries that have no State. They are there but they have no organised authority that runs them, Somalia is one of them. There are others but I will not mention them for diplomatic reasons – President @KagutaMuseveni #NTVNews http://www.ntv.co.ug/live
Abdirashid Muhiadin@AbdirashidMuxu1Museveni forgot the Mogadishu Peace Accord of 1972 Somalia saved Uganda under Idi Amin from a deadly threat from Tanzania in 1972..
We are still the lions of africa..
abdulkheir adow@abdikheiradowHistory won’t help now. Somalia is in sorry state currently. Uganda guards Somalia, museveni qualified to say so.
Hanad A. Isak.@halyeyabdisalam
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.
.’s other Tweets
Abdinasir H.Ali Jees@AbdinasirJeesenough retaliation
Uganda:1-somalia:1Hamza Mohamed✔@Hamza_Africa
“There are many countries that have no free elections.
They are there but they have no real democracy that can represent them, Uganda is one of them.
There are others but I will not mention them for diplomatic reasons.” https://twitter.com/ntvuganda/status/1089792167890112512 …
Somalia Live Update@HassanIstiilaLOL
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
NTV UGANDA✔@ntvuganda
There are many countries that have no State. They are there but they have no organised authority that runs them, Somalia is one of them. There are others but I will not mention them for diplomatic reasons – President @KagutaMuseveni #NTVNews http://www.ntv.co.ug/live
Miraj Mohamud@mirajmiskiz
Nakaka@rnakakaFrom which fictional book is that from? Alternate history? You have every right to consider your country great, call it the lion of Africa for all I care, but DON’T fabricate facts & pretend it’s history.
Abdirashid Muhiadin@AbdirashidMuxu1Somali 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.
SOMALIA SOMALI BA LEH….
Diplomacy Abdullahi Osman@OsmanDiplomacyit 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
IWAT SOLUTIONS@iwat_solutionsSomalia 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).
#somalia #museveni #uganda #Mogadishu
Shafici khalifaa@Shafi20925857Uganda is not far away from http://somalia.you have better government than Somalia and still falling in the list of top ten poor country’s in the world
Is-haq Early@jnrEarlyM7 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.
NTV UGANDA✔@ntvuganda
There are many countries that have no State. They are there but they have no organised authority that runs them, Somalia is one of them. There are others but I will not mention them for diplomatic reasons – President @KagutaMuseveni #NTVNews http://www.ntv.co.ug/live
Rashid Abdi@RAbdiCGAm sure @TheVillaSomalia will not be amused by these off-script remarks by M7.
Iman Ali@imanmaliM7 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?
Abdirahman Wirdaani@wirdaaniRun edaab leh!!
“There are many countries that have no State. They are there but they have no organised authority that runs them, Somalia is one of them. ” President #KagutaMuseveni
Mohamed Abdishakur Osman@MohamedAbdish16Once upon time Uganda was stateless and Somalia forces supported Ugandan government to re-gain its authority.
Hussein Adan@SibaamoSomalia shouldn’t cut diplomatic ties with Uganda by writing inconsequential letters but by closing down their consulate and kicking Ugandan boots out of Somalia.
If they can’t do this (of which we know they can’t), they should Museveni be. Whatever he is saying is right.
Farhan Jimale✔@farhanjimale
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
Mahmud Ali@xuudi10“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.
Mohamad Hussien“The comments of a frail old dictator cannot harm Somalia or deter the progress made.
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
‘s other Tweets
Yaquub@YaquubAKGThis 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 …
Morad News@MoradNewsMuseveni: “There are many countries that have no state. They are there but they have no organised authority that runs them, #Somalia is one of them. There are others but I will not mention them for DIPLOMATIC REASONS” #Uganda
