KAMPALA — Uganda on Wednesday launched the Second Extraordinary Summit of Troop-Contributing Countries (TCCs) to the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), bringing together military chiefs and regional leaders to address the future of peace operations in Somalia amid evolving security and funding challenges.
The three-day summit, being held at Speke Resort Munyonyo under the theme “To Sustain the Stabilisation Process in Somalia,” opened with a meeting of Chiefs of Defence Forces chaired by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
The summit comes at a critical time for AUSSOM as the mandate of the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) is due to expire in December 2026, while international logistical support for the mission has already been reduced by 25 percent, prompting troop-contributing countries to explore sustainable financing and operational strategies for the African Union-led mission. The discussions are expected to focus on ensuring the mission remains effective in supporting Somalia’s security transition and the fight against the Al-Shabaab insurgency.
The meeting brings together representatives of countries contributing troops and police personnel to AUSSOM, the African Union’s successor mission to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), which officially began operations in January 2025 with a renewed mandate to support Somalia’s security institutions and stabilise areas recovered from militant groups. The mission works alongside the Somali National Armed Forces to strengthen national security and facilitate long-term peace and governance. (African Union)
Speaking on the sidelines of the summit, Gen. Kainerugaba welcomed the Secretary-General of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), H.E. Moussa Saleh Batraki, during a meeting also attended by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa.
According to UPDF Acting Director of Defence Public Information Col. Chris Magezi, the leaders exchanged views on regional peace, security and cooperation.
“The Secretary-General commended the Republic of Uganda for its continued contribution to peacebuilding and regional stability, recognising the country’s leadership and the professionalism of the UPDF in promoting peace across the region,” Magezi said in a statement.
Gen. Kainerugaba reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to working with regional and international partners to advance peace, stability and sustainable development.
“He underscored that security remains a cornerstone for the prosperity of Africa and the wider OACPS community,” Magezi added.
Uganda remains one of the largest and longest-serving contributors to peace operations in Somalia, having first deployed troops in 2007 under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), which later transitioned to ATMIS before being replaced by AUSSOM.
The summit continues on Thursday with a meeting of Defence Ministers before culminating in a Heads of State summit on Friday, July 31, where regional leaders are expected to adopt a common position on sustaining support for Somalia’s stabilisation efforts amid changing international financing arrangements.
The outcome of the Kampala summit is expected to shape the future direction of AUSSOM as African nations seek greater ownership of peace operations while maintaining international partnerships essential for long-term security and stability in the Horn of Africa.
