Uganda has discussed the future of the African Union mission in Somalia with European Union officials, as troop-contributing countries seek more predictable funding for the operation.
Defence Minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka met a delegation led by EU Deputy Ambassador to Uganda Eole Sury at the Ministry of Defence headquarters in Mbuya, Kampala.
The talks focused on the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), according to the ministry’s account of the meeting.
“We thank you very much for the support we have had with AUSSOM. Albeit all the challenges we’ve had over time, I think the EU has been one of our biggest and most steadfast partners,” Kiwanuka said.
The EU approved an additional €75 million for AUSSOM in April, mainly to cover troop allowances, non-lethal equipment and related services.
It says its support to successive AU missions in Somalia has reached almost €2.8 billion since 2007.
The funding question has become central to discussions about the mission’s future.
At a summit hosted by Uganda in July, troop-contributing countries agreed to pursue diplomatic outreach and a donors’ conference to secure predictable financing during Somalia’s security transition.
Kiwanuka said the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces must be part of those discussions.
“No conversation about the future, whether in the short, medium or long term, can take place without considering the role of the UPDF in regional security,” he said.
Uganda was the first country to deploy troops to the AU mission in Somalia in 2007 and has served through its successive mandates.
AUSSOM took effect in January 2025, succeeding ATMIS, and its current UN-authorised mandate runs until December 31, 2026.
Kiwanuka said Uganda would continue engaging the EU, the United States and other partners over international support for Somalia.
The ministry’s account did not announce a new funding commitment or a decision on the mission’s future.
The meeting was also attended by Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Lt Gen Sam Okiding, Chief of Joint Staff Lt Gen Jack Bakasumba and defence ministry undersecretary Edith Buturo.
source;chimpreports.com
