President Museveni has reaffirmed Africa’s commitment to sustaining peace and stability in Somalia, saying the continent has the capacity and responsibility to secure its future despite changing levels of international support.
Museveni made the remarks on Friday while hosting the Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) to the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala.
Held under the theme “To Sustain the Stabilisation Process in Somalia,” the three-day summit brought together regional leaders, senior officials from the African Union (AU), United Nations (UN), and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to review the security situation in Somalia and strengthen collective efforts to support the country’s stabilisation.
The summit was attended by Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud; Burundi Vice President Prosper Bazombanza; Djibouti’s Minister of Interior and Acting Minister of Defence Omar Abdi Said; Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Badr Abdel Atty; Ethiopia’s Special Envoy Lt. Gen. Tigabu Yilma Wondimhunegn; and Kenya’s Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
Also in attendance were African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, IGAD Deputy Executive Secretary Mohamed Abdi Ware, Officer-in-Charge of the United Nations Transition Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) Raisedon Zenenga, and Acting Assistant Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) Qurat-Ul-Ain Sadozai.
The summit followed meetings of Chiefs of Defence Forces on July 29 and Ministers of Defence on July 30, 2026, where participants reviewed Somalia’s political and security situation, the preparedness of Somali security forces, progress in force generation and integration, AUSSOM deployment, air assets and operational capabilities.
Addressing the summit, President Museveni said Uganda’s decision to deploy troops to Somalia was not based on geographical proximity but on principle and strategic necessity.
“Uganda doesn’t have a border with Somalia. Therefore, we decided to involve ourselves in Somalia out of principle and strategy,” Museveni said.
He explained that Uganda chose to support Somalia because it rejected violent extremist groups seeking to impose their ideology on African societies.
“We did not accept the extremist groups who come here and waste our time, saying they want to impose themselves on society. We had similar problems in Khartoum, Sudan,” he said.
Museveni said Uganda’s intervention was also aimed at demonstrating solidarity with neighbouring countries facing similar security threats.
Calling for mutual respect among communities, the President said Africa’s diversity remains one of its greatest strengths.
“We Africans of this region have a very rich history. We are different, but we don’t try to impose our identity on others. Whatever you are, you don’t impose yourself on me, nor do I impose myself on you.”
Commenting on the withdrawal of support by some international partners, Museveni urged African countries to remain focused on finding African solutions to African security challenges.
“If those Western countries want to pull out, that is their decision. Somalia is not going to be abandoned because of some people outside. We have the capacity. Whether others pull out or not, we shall manage.”
The President drew parallels with Uganda’s liberation struggle, saying African solidarity had historically helped countries overcome difficult moments.
“When we got rid of Idi Amin, it was Tanzania and Mozambique that stood with us. Africans have always supported one another.”
During a closed session, Heads of State and Government received reports from Chiefs of Defence Forces and Ministers of Defence on the progress of AUSSOM and the prevailing political and security situation in Somalia.
The leaders were briefed on the preparedness of Somali security forces, progress in force generation and integration, AUSSOM deployment, air capabilities and operational readiness.
The summit also considered a report from the Ministers of Defence on the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia in collaboration with the Federal Government of Somalia.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the Heads of State commended troop-contributing countries for their sacrifice in the fight against terrorism and stabilisation efforts in Somalia.
They paid tribute to soldiers who lost their lives and those injured while serving under AUSSOM.
The leaders emphasized the importance of preserving Somalia’s unity, rebuilding national confidence, strengthening democratic governance and state institutions, and promoting politics based on shared national interests rather than identity.
To ensure the continued operation of AUSSOM, the summit tasked Ministers of Foreign Affairs from troop-contributing countries, working with the Federal Government of Somalia and the African Union Commission, to establish a joint task force to mobilise diplomatic and financial support for the mission.
The task force will also organise a donors’ conference aimed at securing predictable and sustainable financing for AUSSOM during the transition period.
Speaking at the summit, African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf reaffirmed the AU’s commitment to supporting Somalia’s peace and stabilisation efforts.
He said the progress made over the years must be protected through continued political commitment, stronger coordination among member states and sustainable financing for AUSSOM.
Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud thanked President Museveni for convening the summit and recognised Uganda’s longstanding contribution to Somalia’s peace and security.
“We appreciate your leadership and convening this second meeting of its kind. Your leadership is highly commended, and we seek your continued support, especially in mobilising the financial resources required for this mission,” Mohamud said.
The Somali leader also praised Uganda’s contribution to his country’s recovery efforts.
“Uganda has stood as one of Somalia’s strongest pillars. Its leadership and support are not taken for granted. You command our deepest appreciation.”
The Kampala summit reaffirmed African leaders’ commitment to sustaining Somalia’s stabilisation process through stronger regional cooperation, enhanced support for Somali security institutions and renewed efforts to secure sustainable financing for AUSSOM as the country continues its transition towards lasting peace and stability.
