President Yoweri Museveni has assured Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud that Uganda remains committed to supporting Somalia despite looming challenges to the African Union's peace mission in the country.

The assurance came during bilateral talks at State House, Entebbe, ahead of an Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State from countries contributing troops to the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). The summit aims to develop a unified strategy to sustain the mission beyond the current United Nations logistical support framework, which expires at the end of 2026.

Mission at a Crossroads

The United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), which has provided critical logistical backing to African peacekeepers, will end its mandate on December 31, 2026. Without a new financing arrangement, AUSSOM risks losing its operational support. This comes at a delicate time as Al-Shabaab, though weakened, continues to pose a security threat in Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa.

Strengthening Regional Cooperation

During their meeting, Presidents Museveni and Mohamud emphasized the importance of collaboration on regional security, governance, and state-building efforts. Mohamud expressed gratitude for Uganda’s military support since the deployment of the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) in 2007, crediting it with contributing significantly to Somalia’s stability.

Mohamud also updated Museveni on Somalia’s political reforms aimed at restoring universal suffrage and enhancing democratic governance.

Uganda’s Longstanding Commitment

Museveni reaffirmed Uganda’s dedication to Somalia’s peace and prosperity, drawing on his country’s experience to stress that lasting peace depends on robust institutions, national unity, and inclusive governance rather than sectarian divisions.

The two leaders also called for enhanced African cooperation to address security threats and promote development in the Horn of Africa.

Military Leaders Call for African-Led Solutions

Earlier this week, military chiefs from Uganda, Somalia, Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Egypt, and Kenya met in Kampala to discuss AUSSOM’s future. Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, urged troop-contributing countries to prepare for a transition to African-led logistical and financial arrangements, warning that reduced international support was already impacting operations.

Gen. Kainerugaba highlighted shifting international dynamics, including potential US reluctance to renew the mission under the current UN framework, stressing the need for Africa to take greater responsibility.

The African Union’s Brig. Gen. Cheick Dembele echoed calls for sustained collective support as Somalia builds its own security capacity.

Summit to Set Future Course

On Friday, President Museveni chaired a closed session with Heads of State and Government at Speke Resort Munyonyo. The gathering included senior officials from the African Union, United Nations, and IGAD, focusing on sustaining Somalia’s stabilisation process.

The summit is expected to adopt a common African position on AUSSOM's future, including mechanisms for reliable funding, improved coordination among troop contributors, and ongoing support for Somalia’s security transition.