Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has called for an expanded military campaign against militants in Somalia, saying the country is a threat to the economies of East Africa and the “exporter of terrorism” in the region.

In remarks posted on his presidential website, Mr. Museveni said the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia needs air and sea capabilities to fight al-Shabab militants. He said he wanted to expand the “one-dimensional” approach of using only ground forces.

Ugandan troops make up the bulk of the AU force, which supports the Somali government.

Mr. Museveni's comments come as Uganda marks the one-year anniversary of twin suicide bombings that killed 76 people in the capital, Kampala.

Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attacks to avenge Somali citizens killed by the AU force.

Mr. Museveni expressed condolences to the families of those killed, saying they paid “the ultimate price” for Uganda's commitment to African unity.