By Joan Vumilia
Kampala, Uganda — July 30, 2026 — Military chiefs from seven African troop-contributing countries have gathered in Kampala for high-level talks aimed at securing the future of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) as international financial support comes under increasing pressure.
The extraordinary meeting, held at Speke Resort Munyonyo, brings together defence leaders from Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Burundi, Djibouti, Egypt and Somalia to assess the operational challenges facing the mission and chart a path forward.
Opening the summit, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, said African nations must take greater responsibility for sustaining peace operations in Somalia as the United Nations prepares to scale down logistical support through the UN Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) by the end of this year.
He noted that recent reductions in international funding have already affected mission operations, making it necessary for troop-contributing countries to explore new approaches to logistics, coordination and long-term financing.
For nearly two decades, African forces have played a central role in helping Somalia confront the al-Shabaab insurgency while supporting the rebuilding of the country’s security institutions. Uganda remains among the mission’s largest troop contributors, having maintained a military presence in Somalia since 2007.
The Kampala discussions are expected to produce recommendations for Defence Ministers before they are submitted to African leaders for consideration. Delegates are also expected to review cooperation with Somali security forces and strategies to ensure the mission remains effective despite financial constraints.
The meeting comes at a critical time for regional security, with African governments seeking to preserve gains made against extremist groups while reducing dependence on external funding for peace support operations.
