President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to peace and stability in Somalia, saying Africa will not abandon the country despite the security challenges facing the Horn of Africa.
Museveni made the remarks during the closing ceremony of a three-day summit that brought together leaders from countries contributing troops to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). The summit was attended by Heads of State from Uganda, Ethiopia, Kenya, Djibouti, Egypt, and Burundi.
The President explained that Uganda’s involvement in Somalia is not because of geographical closeness, but because of the country’s belief in Pan-African solidarity and the need for Africans to support each other during times of crisis.
He said Uganda’s decision to deploy forces in Somalia was guided by two major principles: fighting extremist ideologies that threaten communities and standing with neighbouring countries facing regional security threats.
Museveni warned against groups that attempt to impose religious or ideological beliefs on African societies, saying such actions undermine Africa’s history of diversity, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence.
He noted that security challenges in one part of the region often affect other countries, explaining that Uganda’s intervention in Somalia was also aimed at protecting regional stability and supporting countries that face threats from extremist groups operating across borders.
The President emphasized that African communities have always respected different cultures and traditions, and that lasting peace can only be achieved when nations respect each other’s values and sovereignty.
He called on regional leaders to remain united in supporting Somalia’s journey toward lasting peace, self-reliance, and stronger institutions.
The summit came at a time when the African Union mission in Somalia is preparing for changes following the planned conclusion of operations by the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) on December 31, 2026.
During earlier discussions, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who chaired the meeting of military chiefs, urged troop-contributing countries to act quickly and develop African-led solutions to ensure that security gains made in Somalia are not lost.
“These are difficult circumstances, but they also call for our unity, creativity, and resolve,” Gen. Kainerugaba said, calling for stronger cooperation among African countries.
The recommendations from the military chiefs were later discussed and approved by Defence Ministers before being presented to the Heads of State.
African Union Commission Chairperson H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf praised Uganda for its long-standing contribution to Somalia’s peace efforts, describing the country as one of the key pillars of Africa’s engagement in the country for nearly two decades.
He thanked Uganda and other troop and police-contributing countries for the sacrifices made by their forces in protecting peace and supporting Somalia’s recovery.
The summit ended with renewed commitment from African leaders to continue supporting Somalia, strengthen regional cooperation, and ensure that the country achieves lasting peace and stability.
