Kampala has once again taken center stage in regional security diplomacy, hosting the Extraordinary Summit of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) Troop-Contributing Countries from July 29 to 31, 2026. The high-level gathering focused on coordinating security strategies and funding mechanisms as the African Union transitions its peacekeeping operations in Somalia amidst ongoing regional challenges.
High-Level Meetings and Bilateral Consultations
The three-day summit kicked off with technical meetings of defense experts and chiefs of defense forces, followed by a meeting of defense ministers on Thursday, July 30. A key highlight of the summit was a bilateral meeting between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni at State House Entebbe. The two leaders discussed regional security, bilateral cooperation, and the logistical challenges of maintaining stability in Somalia during the transitional phase.
The summit culminated in a Heads of State meeting on Friday, July 31, where leaders from Uganda, Kenya, Burundi, Djibouti, and Ethiopia reviewed the mandate of the new AUSSOM mission, which is set to replace the transition mission (ATMIS) later this year. The discussions focused on ensuring that the transition does not create a security vacuum that could be exploited by militant groups like Al-Shabaab.
Addressing Funding Gaps and Operational Mandates
One of the primary challenges facing the new AUSSOM mission is securing predictable and sustainable funding. Previous peacekeeping missions in Somalia have suffered from budget shortfalls, which have impacted operational efficiency and troop welfare. During the summit, leaders urged the United Nations Security Council and international partners to guarantee long-term financial support for the new mission, emphasizing that Somalia's security is critical for the stability of the entire Horn of Africa region.
Additionally, the leaders discussed the operational mandate of the new mission, which will place a greater emphasis on training and capacity building for the Somali National Army (SNA). The goal is to gradually transfer full security responsibilities to local forces, ensuring a sustainable, long-term security architecture for the country.
Uganda's Ongoing Commitment to Somalia Peacekeeping
Uganda was the first country to deploy troops to Somalia under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) in 2007 and remains the largest troop contributor. President Museveni reaffirmed Uganda's commitment to supporting Somalia's transition, noting that the sacrifices made by Ugandan soldiers have laid the foundation for the relative peace and institutional progress currently enjoyed in Mogadishu.
As the summit concluded in Kampala, a joint communique was issued outlining a unified stance on the transition timeline, funding requirements, and security priorities. The decisions made during the three-day summit will shape the future of regional peacekeeping and security cooperation in East Africa for years to come.
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