Speke Resort Munyonyo is hosting senior military leaders from across Africa for the second Extraordinary Meeting of Chiefs of Defence Forces (CDFs) of countries contributing troops to the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
The three-day summit, which began on 29 July, brings together defence chiefs from Uganda, Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Egypt and Kenya, alongside representatives from host nation Somalia, to discuss the future of peacekeeping operations as international support for the mission evolves.
Opening the meeting, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, urged the military leaders to remain united and develop practical solutions to ensure the mission continues despite growing financial and logistical challenges.
He said troop-contributing countries must prepare for a new phase in which African nations take greater responsibility for sustaining peacekeeping operations in Somalia.
“These are difficult circumstances, but they also call for our unity, creativity and resolve,” Gen. Kainerugaba said. “The future of our mission, and the sacrifices and progress we have made together in Somalia, depend on the decisions we make now.”
His remarks come as the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) is expected to conclude its operations on 31 December 2026, requiring AUSSOM member states to strengthen their own logistical support systems.
Gen. Kainerugaba noted that reduced funding is already affecting operations on the ground, forcing commanders to reassess priorities while adapting to changing international support for the mission.
He also highlighted shifts in the global diplomatic landscape, including indications that the United States may not back the renewal of AUSSOM’s mandate under the current United Nations support arrangement.
Representing Somalia, Brigadier General Ibrahim Mohamed Mahmoud, Commander of the Somali National Armed Forces, thanked the troop-contributing countries for their continued commitment to restoring peace and stability in his country.
He praised African peacekeeping forces for the progress made in improving security and supporting Somalia’s long-term recovery.
The meeting concludes on 31 July and is expected to produce recommendations on the future structure, funding and sustainability of AUSSOM as the mission moves towards greater African-led responsibility.
Beyond hosting the summit, Speke Resort Munyonyo continues to strengthen its reputation as one of East and Central Africa’s leading venues for international conferences, offering world-class meeting facilities alongside luxury accommodation and leisure amenities.
