Sectarianism causing turmoil in Somalia, says Museveni

President Museveni

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He added that the Somali youth in Uganda and in the US also need to be sensitised over the dangers of sectarianism premised on clan identity.

ENTEBBE- President Museveni has said the main cause of turmoil in war-torn Somalia today is clan-related.
The President made the remarks while meeting the United States of America Commander of Africa Forces, Gen David Rodriguez, at State House in Entebbe on Thursday.

“Discrimination over clans is wrong. In modern prospects, prosperity comes through cooperation. There is need to have trade as a prerequisite to prosperity,” Mr Musevei was quoted in a statement from State House.
He said there is need to inculcate patriotism and Pan-Africanism among the Somali youth. He added that the Somali youth in Uganda and in the US also need to be sensitised over the dangers of sectarianism premised on clan identity.
President Museveni informed the American delegation that in the past, Uganda also suffered due to sectarianism. He thanked the US government-supported Centers for Disease Control for helping Uganda in the control of Ebola.

The statement also quoted Gen Rodrigues appreciating the efforts of Ugandan medical doctors and nurses in eradicating Ebola in Liberia and West Africa generally.

He saluted President Museveni over the UPDF’s outstanding role particularly in Somalia where the Ugandan troops are part of the African Union forces fighting Al-Shabaab Islamic militants. He also commended the UPDF’s deployment in war-ravaged South Sudan.
Gen Rodrigues said building a national army in Somalia is a challenge but paid special tribute to the African countries that have sent troops to restore sanity in Somalia.
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