KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda has called for predictable and sustainable financing for African Union peace operations in Somalia, warning that the success of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) depends on adequate resources, stronger regional cooperation and continued international support.

The call was made on Thursday by the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, while opening the Meeting of Defence Ministers of the Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) to AUSSOM in Kampala.

The minister welcomed delegates from troop-contributing countries, saying their presence underscored a shared commitment to advancing peace, security and stability in Somalia and across the Horn of Africa.

"Uganda has consistently regarded the peace and security of Somalia as inseparable from the collective security of our region," Kiryowa said.

He reaffirmed Uganda's long-standing commitment to African-led peace efforts, noting that the country became the first to deploy troops under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) in 2007 and has remained committed throughout the successive transitions to ATMIS and now AUSSOM.

The minister paid tribute to soldiers from troop-contributing countries and the Somali Security Forces who have lost their lives in the pursuit of peace, while also recognising those injured and personnel still serving under difficult operational conditions.

He also commended the Chiefs of Defence Forces, led by Uganda's Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for the work accomplished during Wednesday's meeting and for the continued military operations in Somalia.

Terrorism Still a Major Threat

Kiryowa acknowledged that although significant gains have been made through previous African Union missions, Somalia's security environment remains fragile.

He warned that the militant group Al-Shabaab continues to pose a serious threat through terrorist attacks targeting security forces, government institutions and civilians.

"Uganda strongly condemns these acts of terrorism in the strongest possible terms. Terrorism has no place in our societies, and our collective determination to defeat violent extremism must remain unwavering," he said.

However, the minister stressed that military operations alone would not deliver lasting peace.

He called for greater investment in political reconciliation, governance reforms, justice, rule of law and socio-economic development, arguing that poverty, unemployment and ideological extremism continue to fuel insecurity.

Kiryowa also emphasised the need for stronger cooperation between Somalia's Federal Government and the Federal Member States, saying national dialogue and political consensus remain essential for sustainable peace.

Call for Sustainable Mission Financing

A central focus of the minister's address was the financing of African Union peace support operations.

He said troop-contributing countries have continued to shoulder enormous responsibilities despite persistent financial constraints and warned that inadequate and unpredictable funding threatens the effectiveness of AUSSOM.

"As we move forward under AUSSOM, there is an urgent need to establish financing mechanisms that are adequate, predictable and sustainable," he said.

Such funding, he noted, is essential for maintaining troop morale, mission readiness, logistical support and the overall credibility of African peace support operations.

"AUSSOM cannot continue without the requisite resources. We must find a solution to this perennial challenge," Kiryowa added.

He appealed to international partners to continue supporting African Union-led peace initiatives, saying peace and security in Somalia remain a shared global responsibility.

Protecting Hard-Won Security Gains

The minister cautioned that the transition from AMISOM to ATMIS and now AUSSOM must be carefully managed to prevent security gaps that could be exploited by terrorist groups.

He called for continuous assessment of security conditions, monitoring of Forward Operating Bases previously handed over to Somali forces and closer coordination among stakeholders.

According to Kiryowa, the mission's long-term success will depend on timely force generation, strengthened intelligence sharing, enhanced surveillance, improved logistics, greater air mobility and sustained efforts to build capable Somali security institutions.

He said empowering Somalia to take full responsibility for its own security remains the most sustainable path toward lasting peace.

Reviewing Previous Commitments

The Kampala meeting is also reviewing the implementation of resolutions adopted during the Troop Contributing Countries Summit held in Entebbe in April 2025.

Kiryowa urged delegates to engage in constructive discussions aimed at strengthening AUSSOM and supporting Somalia's transition towards peace, stability and self-reliance.

The meeting forms part of the three-day Extraordinary Summit of AUSSOM Troop-Contributing Countries being hosted by Uganda.

The summit began with a meeting of Chiefs of Defence Forces on Wednesday, followed by Thursday's Defence Ministers' meeting. It will conclude on Friday with a Summit of Heads of State and Government under the theme "To Sustain the Stabilisation Process in Somalia."