Uganda has pledged its commitment to strengthening sustainable, resilient and self-reliant African mechanisms for peace and security at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Luanda, Angola.

The Head of the Ugandan Delegation, Dr. Edith Namutebi, delivered Uganda’s Country Statement during the Executive Council Meeting held under the theme, “Strengthening Mechanisms for Conflict Prevention and Resolution in Africa.”

Representing the Minister of Defense and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, Dr. Namutebi called for broader engagement with non-traditional partners, African financial and development institutions, the African diaspora and the private sector to diversify and strengthen support for continental peace initiatives.

Uganda also backed a phased and gradual approach to strengthening the AU’s internal revenue mechanisms, stressing the need to take into account the economic realities and domestic priorities of individual Member States.

The Ugandan delegation further raised concern over delays affecting AU peace support missions and called for the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2719 (2023), which provides a framework for UN-assessed contributions to support eligible AU-led peace operations.

Uganda specifically highlighted the importance of predictable and sustainable support for eligible missions, including the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

Dr. Namutebi also stressed the need for greater efficiency, accountability and coordination among the AU, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), Regional Mechanisms (RMs) and bilateral security frameworks to maximise available resources and avoid duplication.

Uganda revealed that African ownership and institutional responsibility remain central to achieving lasting peace and security on the continent, while calling for stronger and more sustainable mechanisms capable of responding to Africa’s evolving security challenges.