President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reaffirmed Uganda’s strategic commitment to peace and regional stability in the Horn of Africa, emphasizing that the intervention in Somalia remains grounded in Pan-African solidarity, principle, and long-term security strategy rather than mere geographical proximity.
Speaking during the closing ceremony of a three-day summit that brought together Heads of State from troop-contributing countries to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), namely Uganda, Ethiopia, Kenya, Djibouti, Egypt, and Burundi, the President noted that although Uganda does not share a direct territorial border with Somalia, its military presence alongside regional forces was a deliberate decision rooted in core Pan-African principles.
President Museveni explained that Uganda’s intervention in Somalia rests on two primary pillars: rejecting religious extremism that threatens societal cohesion and demonstrating tangible solidarity with neighboring countries facing systemic regional threats. He cautioned against extremist groups seeking to impose ideological and religious chauvinism on African populations.
Reflecting on regional security dynamics, President Museveni recalled that similar ideological pressures had previously emerged from Khartoum in Sudan before spreading into Somalia, making a decisive intervention necessary to safeguard the region’s shared future. Highlighting the interconnected nature of security in the Horn of Africa, he stated that Uganda’s involvement was also an act of direct solidarity with Ethiopia, which faced strategic pressures from hostile groups operating across regional borders.
Also speaking at the summit, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf expressed deep gratitude to Uganda, noting that the country has stood as one of the pillars of Africa’s engagement in Somalia for close to 20 years.
“Its leadership and the sacrifices borne by its forces, and by those of all troop- and police-contributing countries, command our deepest appreciation,” he said.
He paid tribute to all African soldiers and police officers who have served under the African Union flag and made the ultimate sacrifice, noting that their professionalism, courage, and sacrifice have enabled Somalia to advance along the path to stability. He further reiterated the continent’s resolve to preserve the gains of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and conduct an orderly transition grounded in realities on the ground.
Emphasizing close dialogue with partners to secure predictable, sustainable support, he assured the government and people of Somalia that the Commission will continue mobilizing the necessary political, diplomatic, and financial backing for the mission’s success.
Source:Updf.go.ug
