AUSSOM Summit: Uganda urges new financing model for Somalia mission
The call was made by the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Kiryowa Kiwanuka, while addressing defence ministers from troop-contributing countries on the second day of the 2nd Extraordinary AUSSOM Summit at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala.
Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Kiryowa Kiwanuka. (File photo)
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The Government of Uganda has called for an urgent overhaul of the financing model for the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), warning that the mission cannot succeed without predictable and sustainable funding.
The call was made by the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Kiryowa Kiwanuka, while addressing defence ministers from troop-contributing countries on the second day of the 2nd Extraordinary AUSSOM Summit at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala.
Kiwanuka said inadequate and unpredictable financing remains one of the biggest threats to African Union peace operations.
"AUSSOM cannot continue without the requisite resources. We must find a solution to this perennial challenge," Kiwanuka said.
He urged international partners to continue supporting African Union-led peace initiatives, arguing that stable financing is essential to maintaining troop morale, operational readiness and the credibility of peace support missions across the continent.
The minister's remarks came a day after military chiefs, led by Uganda's Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, warned that the planned closure of the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) at the end of December 2026 would create a major operational challenge for the mission.
Delegates attending the three-day summit are seeking alternatives to sustain military operations after UNSOS exits amid growing uncertainty over international funding.
Security gains at risk
He warned that Al-Shabaab continues to launch attacks against security forces, government institutions and civilians, stressing that terrorism remains a major obstacle to lasting peace.
"Military operations alone cannot deliver lasting peace," he said.
According to the minister, Somalia's long-term stability will depend on strengthening political institutions, promoting reconciliation between the Federal Government of Somalia and Federal Member States, expanding justice and the rule of law, and addressing the socio-economic conditions that fuel violent extremism.
He said building capable Somali security institutions and increasing national ownership remain the most sustainable pathways towards lasting peace.
"The political question must be answered. Dialogue and cooperation between the Federal Government of Somalia and the Federal Member States is imperative," Kiwanuka said.
No room for security gaps
Kiwanuka cautioned that the transition from AMISOM to ATMIS and now AUSSOM should not create security vacuums that extremist groups could exploit.
He called for continuous assessment of security conditions, monitoring of forward operating bases previously handed over, stronger intelligence sharing, improved surveillance, better logistical support, increased air mobility and closer coordination among all stakeholders.
He also paid tribute to soldiers from troop-contributing countries and the Somali Security Forces who have lost their lives during peace operations, saying their sacrifices continue to inspire regional efforts to restore stability in Somalia.
AU warns of critical moment
Speaking at the ministerial session, Patience Zideli, director of conflict management at the African Union Commission, described the summit as taking place at a defining moment for peace operations in Somalia.
She said the mission's principal support system faces uncertainty from January 2027, making the Kampala consultations critical in determining the future of the African Union's presence in Somalia.
"The timeliness of this summit is very important at this critical time, especially as the existence of the main support line for the AU mission in Somalia is under serious threat as of January 2027," Zideli said.
She revealed that the African Union had already undertaken extensive technical consultations in Addis Ababa involving the Federal Government of Somalia, AUSSOM leadership, troop and police-contributing countries, the United Nations and other stakeholders to evaluate strategic options for the mission.
The recommendations from those technical meetings, together with proposals adopted by Chiefs of Defence Forces during the session on July 28, 2026, in Kampala, are expected to guide defence ministers before being submitted to Heads of State and Government on Friday, July 31.
Zideli commended troop-contributing countries for the sacrifices they have made over nearly two decades of operations in Somalia, saying their contributions had helped liberate key territories, protect civilians and support stabilisation efforts.
She said the African Union remains committed to working with Somalia and regional partners to preserve the gains already achieved and pursue durable peace.
The three-day summit concludes on Friday with a meeting of Heads of State and Government, who are expected to adopt a joint communiqué outlining the future direction of AUSSOM, including financing, security operations and the transition beyond UNSOS.