Mogadishu / Kampala – In a powerful reaffirmation of Uganda’s longstanding Pan-Africanist commitment to peace and regional stability, Amb. John Leonard Mugerwa, representing Uganda at the opening session of the Permanent Secretaries and Chiefs of Defence Forces Meeting of the Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) to AUSSOM (African Union-led mission in Somalia) emphasized that Uganda’s military presence in Somalia since 2007 was not driven by national interest alone but by the enduring spirit of African unity and collective security.
“An attack on one of us is an attack on all of us,” Amb. Mugerwa declared invoking the emotional and political urgency that continues to define Uganda’s frontline role in Somalia’s fight against terrorism.
Mugerwa minced no words in condemning Al-Shabaab labeling their use of complex and uneven warfare tactics as “cowardly” and driven by “parochial ideology.”
The extremist group designated as a terrorist organization by the United Nations, United States and African Union continues to launch deadly attacks across Somalia disrupting peacekeeping operations and threatening regional security.
The Permanent Secretary stressed that allowing Al-Shabaab to gain ground would set a dangerous precedent not just for Somalia but for Africa’s collective future.
“Under no circumstances should the terrorist group be allowed to succeed,” he said, earning nods of agreement from fellow delegates.
Taking the podium, Hon. Vincent Bagiire, Permanent Secretary at Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, issued a stark warning, the future of AUSSOM is hanging by a financial thread.
“Unpredictable and unsustainable funding remains an existential threat to the success of the mission,” Bagiire stated.
He called for the full implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2719 (2023), a resolution designed to secure adequate, sustainable financial resources for the AUSSOM mission following the transition from AMISOM (African Union Mission in Somalia).
The resolution, adopted in late 2023 tasks the UN and international partners with providing structured and reliable financial frameworks to ensure African troops are not left stranded or under-resourced in hostile environments.
As AUSSOM positions itself to take full charge of peacekeeping operations in Somalia, replacing AMISOM, the call for unity among African nations has never been more urgent.
Uganda’s voice is rising loudest in this moment demanding not just solidarity but tangible action from fellow African states and the broader international community.
Uganda’s leadership urged a redoubling of commitment not just boots on the ground but also financial, diplomatic and logistical support to root out extremist threats and rebuild Somali institutions.
Uganda was the first country to deploy troops to Somalia in 2007 under the AU mandate. Nearly two decades later, the nation remains a backbone of African-led stabilization efforts in the Horn of Africa.
This meeting marks a pivotal moment in evaluating progress, reinforcing unity, and laying down practical strategies to ensure AUSSOM doesn’t become yet another underfunded mission with grand ambitions but minimal support.
Uganda’s message to Africa and the world? “We’re not just fighting terrorism; we’re fighting for Africa’s future.”
Also Read: DR Congo Bans Former President Kabila’s Party Over Rebel Ties
