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As financial constraints threaten peacekeeping efforts in the Horn of Africa, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba rallies African support to sustain Somalia Peace Mission during a high-level military summit in Kampala. Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces urged regional military leaders from troop-contributing nations to develop unified, self-reliant solutions as international funding mechanisms face severe reductions. Speaking at the extraordinary meeting of defense chiefs at Speke Resort Munyonyo, General Kainerugaba warned that scaling back logistical support could undermine two decades of hard-won security gains against insurgent groups like Al-Shabaab.
The emergency three-day gathering brings together defense officials and military commanders from Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Burundi, Djibouti, Egypt, and Somalia. The summit comes at a critical juncture following indications that the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) is preparing to wind down its primary logistical backing by December 2026. Officials revealed that UNSOS has already instituted a 25 percent reduction in logistical assistance to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). General Kainerugaba highlighted that these budget cuts have forced frontline commanders to adjust operational priorities, directly impacting field efficiency across several sectors.
Complicating the security landscape further are diplomatic shifts regarding the future mandate of the African-led force. United States representatives have indicated reluctance to support renewing the UN Security Council framework for AUSSOM if it relies heavily on standard UN logistics packages. In response, African military chiefs are drafting strategic recommendations for their respective defense ministers and heads of state. The goal is to establish an alternative intra-African operational model capable of sustaining troop deployments, intelligence sharing, and tactical supply chains without sole reliance on Western and multilateral donors.
Despite the financial headwinds, Somali military representatives expressed gratitude for the ongoing sacrifices made by partner nations in stabilizing the country. Somali commanders noted that while domestic security forces are rapidly increasing their capability to assume full territorial responsibility, a sudden operational gap would pose grave risks to civilian populations and regional stability. The recommendations formulated during the Kampala talks will serve as the foundation for an upcoming summit of regional heads of state. As Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba rallies African support to sustain Somalia Peace Mission, the consensus among regional leaders remains clear: maintaining African solidarity and establishing alternative financing mechanisms is essential to securing long-term peace in Somalia.