Uganda’s Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, has urged African Union troop-contributing countries to adopt a broader approach to restoring peace in Somalia, saying military action alone cannot deliver lasting stability.
Kiwanuka made the remarks during the second day of the second Extraordinary Summit of the Troop Contributing Countries to the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala.
He called for political dialogue, reconciliation between the Federal Government of Somalia and the Federal Member States, and efforts to address the root causes of conflict.
Kiwanuka said the summit reflects a shared commitment to peace and stability in Somalia, the Horn of Africa and the wider African continent.
He commended the Chiefs of Defence Forces, led by Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for 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.
Kiwanuka warned against creating security gaps during the transition process, saying previous handovers had shown 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 funding, Kiwanuka said troop-contributing countries had carried significant operational responsibilities for years despite facing unpredictable and inadequate financing.
“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 at 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 from January 2027.
She called for urgent measures to sustain operations.
Referring to earlier technical engagements in Addis Ababa, Chiradza said discussions had examined the political, operational, security, financial and logistical aspects of proposed options for the mission’s future.
She commended the Chiefs of Defence Forces for preparing a report for consideration by ministers during the first day of the summit.
Chiradza also appreciated the Government and people of Somalia for their resilience and commitment to finding 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.
