President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called for renewed African solidarity and increased financial support to Somalia as a foundation for lasting peace in the Horn of Africa. Speaking at the Extraordinary Summit of Troop-Contributing Countries (TCCs) to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) at State House, Entebbe, Museveni emphasized the urgency of bolstering Somalia’s security.
The summit gathered African leaders and representatives to discuss the future of Somalia’s stability, the transition of the AU peace mission, and regional efforts to combat terrorism.
“We need to assist Somalia to get out of these problems. More money is needed to sustain the stabilization mission,” said Museveni, urging African nations and partners to enhance their support.
Reflecting on Africa’s own history of struggle, Museveni recalled the Pan-African solidarity that helped Uganda during its fight against Idi Amin, crediting Tanzania and Mozambique for their support. He emphasized the National Resistance Movement’s core principles—Patriotism, Pan-Africanism, Socio-Economic Transformation, and Democracy—as essential for national unity and progress.
He cautioned against identity-based politics and highlighted Uganda’s transformation from a failed state (1966–1986) into a stable nation, suggesting that Somalia could adopt a similar model grounded in ideology and volunteerism.
“Al-Shabaab is a weak force. Their persistence is due to underfunding and lack of well-equipped Somali and allied forces,” Museveni stated.
“With adequate funding, Uganda is ready to contribute more troops.”
He proposed building a volunteer-based Somali army inspired by Uganda’s 1979 liberation force, which mobilized 9,000 troops from just 28 cadres without formal salaries
Somali President H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud expressed gratitude to Museveni and Uganda for their enduring support, acknowledging the vital role of AU troop-contributing countries in fighting terrorism.
“Our sacrifices are not in vain. The support—from humanitarian aid to training—has saved lives and restored hope,” he said.
Mohamud highlighted Somalia’s political progress, especially in fostering trust between federal member states and advancing the electoral process involving over five million citizens.
However, he cautioned that the fight against Al-Shabaab remains critical and called for a clear, sustainable roadmap for military funding and security capacity-building.
“The success of this initiative will not only secure Somalia but also ensure regional peace,” he noted.
He reaffirmed Somalia’s commitment to the Contact Group on the Somali Transition (CGST), chaired by Museveni, and the Somali Security and Development Blueprint (SSADB).
H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, thanked President Museveni for hosting the summit and praised the commitment of all troop-contributing countries.
“We salute the bravery of our forces and mourn the heroes who have fallen,” he stated.
Youssouf stressed the need to strengthen Somalia’s national army and ensure sustainable support from both African nations and international partners.
“Our collective solidarity remains crucial in supporting Somalia’s journey toward peace and prosperity,” he concluded.
The summit was attended by several regional leaders, including:
- H.E. Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed, Prime Minister of Djibouti
- H.E. Prof. Kithure Kindiki, Deputy President of Kenya
- H.E. Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Prime Minister of Egypt
- H.E. Eng. Aisha Mohammed Mussa, Minister of Defence, Ethiopia
- Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, Executive Secretary of IGAD
