UN Cuts Weaken Somalia Mission, CDF Gen Kainerugaba Warns

KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has warned that funding constraints and reduced United Nations logistical support are already weakening African Union peace operations in Somalia.

Gen Kainerugaba sounded the alarm on Wednesday as the 2026 Extraordinary Summit of the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia Troop-Contributing Countries officially opened in Kampala.

The summit, being held at Speke Resort Munyonyo, has brought together defence chiefs, ministers, African leaders and strategic partners to discuss the future of the mission and strengthen collective efforts towards lasting peace and stability in Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa.

Addressing the opening meeting of Chiefs of Defence Forces, Gen Kainerugaba said the talks were taking place at a critical moment, with the United Nations Support Office in Somalia facing serious financial constraints and uncertainty over its operations beyond December 31, 2026.

“This meeting has been convened to allow us to exchange views on the future of our missions in Somalia, that is, AUSSOM and the United Nations Guard Unit,” Gen Kainerugaba said.

He told delegates that troop-contributing countries had been formally notified about the impending termination of UNSOS operations, prompting diplomatic and political consultations on how to sustain the Somalia mission.

The current United Nations Security Council framework authorises AUSSOM and the provision of UNSOS logistical support until December 31, 2026. The support package covers AUSSOM personnel, mission operations and Somali security forces conducting joint or coordinated operations with the African Union mission.

Support Already Cut by 25 Per Cent

Gen Kainerugaba revealed that UNSOS had already reduced its support to AUSSOM and the United Nations Guard Unit by 25 per cent, even before troop-contributing countries were informed about the possible termination of the support arrangement.

He said the reduction had directly affected operations on the ground, forcing commanders to adjust priorities and weakening the effectiveness of forces in parts of the theatre.

UPDF Boss Gen Kainerugaba addressing military chiefs at Munyonyo

“This reduction has had a direct operational impact, forcing our forces to adjust priorities and, in some areas, weakening our effectiveness in the theatre,” he said.

The CDF warned that the current difficulties require troop-contributing countries and international partners to demonstrate greater unity, creativity and determination.

“These are difficult circumstances, but they also call for unity, creativity and resolve,” Gen Kainerugaba said.

UNSOS provides logistical assistance considered essential to sustaining African Union and Somali forces, including operational supplies, medical evacuation capacity, transport, communications and other mission-support services.

The United Nations has continued to describe UNSOS support as crucial to the implementation of the AUSSOM mandate and the operational continuity of troops deployed in Somalia.

Any major reduction or complete withdrawal of that support could leave troop-contributing countries facing a substantial financial and operational burden unless an alternative mechanism is agreed upon.

High-Level Security Talks

The summit is being held under the theme “To Sustain the Stabilisation Process in Somalia.”

Wednesday’s meeting of defence chiefs will be followed by a meeting of defence ministers on Thursday, July 30. The gathering will conclude on Friday, July 31, with a summit of Heads of State and Government.

Participating countries include Uganda, Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Egypt and Kenya, which contribute personnel to AUSSOM, alongside Somalia.

Senior representatives from the African Union, United Nations and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development are also expected to participate in the discussions.

The Kampala meeting is expected to consider diplomatic, political and financial options for maintaining AUSSOM operations, safeguarding troops and preventing security gains made in Somalia from being reversed.

It will also provide an opportunity for troop-contributing countries to develop a common position on the future of UNSOS support and the financing of African-led peace operations.

Regional Security at Stake

The financial difficulties come as African Union troops continue supporting Somali forces in operations against Al-Shabaab and other armed groups threatening Somalia and neighbouring countries.

Although Somalia has made progress in rebuilding its national security institutions, African Union troops and international logistical support remain important to the country’s stabilisation efforts.

The UN Security Council extended AUSSOM’s authorisation to the end of 2026, reaffirming its role in supporting Somalia’s security transition while calling for continued international assistance to the mission and Somali security forces.

Uganda has been one of the leading troop contributors to African Union operations in Somalia and has repeatedly called for predictable and sustainable funding for missions mandated to confront terrorism and instability on the continent.

The Kampala summit therefore places Uganda at the centre of efforts to forge a coordinated African response to the looming financial and logistical gap.

Gen Kainerugaba thanked the participating defence chiefs for attending the meeting and urged them to use the talks to find practical solutions capable of preserving the mission’s effectiveness.

The outcome of the summit could shape the future of AUSSOM, the protection of African troops and the broader security transition in Somalia beyond December 2026.