Uganda’s Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, has rallied African Union Troop Contributing Countries to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) to pursue a comprehensive approach to restoring peace in Somalia, stressing that military action alone cannot deliver lasting stability, emphasising the need for political dialogue, reconciliation between the Federal Government of Somalia and the Federal Member States,
Hon. Kiwanuka made the remarks during Ministers of Defence and Chiefs of Defence Forces during the second day of the second Extraordinary Summit of the Troop Contributing Countries to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia at Speke Resort, Munyonyo in Kampala.
Hon. Kiwanuka said the summit reflects a shared commitment to peace and stability in Somalia, the Horn of Africa, and the wider African continent.
Hon. Kiwanuka also commended the Chiefs of Defence Forces, led by Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for the discussions held on the first day of the summit.
“While progress has been made through AMISOM, ATMIS and now AUSSOM, the security situation in Somalia remains fragile. Al-Shabaab continues to carry out attacks targeting security forces, government institutions and civilians,” Hon. Kiwanuka said.
Hon. Kiwanuka warned against creating security gaps during the handover process, noting that previous transitions had demonstrated the risks of premature withdrawals. He called for continuous assessment of the security situation, including forward operating bases already handed over to Somali forces.
On the issue of funding, Hon. Kiwanuka said that troop-contributing countries had borne significant operational responsibilities for years despite facing unpredictable and inadequate funding.
“As we move forward under AUSSOM, there is an urgent need to establish financing mechanisms that are adequate, predictable and sustainable. AUSSOM cannot continue without the requisite resources,” he said.
Also addressing the meeting, the Director of the Conflict Management Directorate in the African Union Commission’s Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Ms. Patience Zanelie Chiradza warned that the mission’s main support line faces serious challenges beginning in January 2027 and underscored the need for urgent action to sustain operations.
Referring to earlier technical engagements in Addis Ababa, she said the deliberations had examined the political, operational, security, financial and logistical dimensions of the proposed options for the future of the mission.
She commended the Chiefs of Defence Forces for their exceptional work during the first day of the summit in preparing a report for consideration by the ministers and expressed appreciation to the Government and people of Somalia for their resilience and commitment to achieving a peaceful and lasting solution to the country’s challenges.
The second day of the summit was attended by Ministers of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs, UPDF generals, senior military officers and other delegates from AUSSOM troop-contributing countries.
