Uganda has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Somalia’s security and maintaining its military presence in the country as the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) faces growing financial and logistical challenges.

Ugandan Defence Minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka said Kampala remains committed to supporting peace and stability in Somalia.

His remarks came as AUSSOM troop-contributing countries held an extraordinary meeting in Kampala to discuss the mission’s future and prevent a potential security gap during the planned transition.

Uganda has been one of the largest contributors to African Union missions in Somalia, with its troops deployed since the launch of AMISOM in 2007. Its forces have continued operating under AUSSOM as Somalia gradually assumes greater responsibility for national security.

Uganda’s continued commitment has also been reflected on the ground. In May 2026, the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) deployed Battle Group 47 to Somalia as part of its AUSSOM contingent.

Ugandan troops have also continued joint patrols and security operations with Somali forces, including operations around Baraawe and Lower Shabelle.

Why Uganda Wants to Stay

Kampala argues that Somalia’s security situation remains too fragile for a rapid withdrawal of African Union forces. Kiwanuka warned that removing troops from areas before Somali forces are ready to take over could create security vacuums that Al-Shabaab could exploit.

Uganda’s position is that the timing of any withdrawal should be determined by conditions on the ground rather than political deadlines.

The government says the gains made through AMISOM, ATMIS and AUSSOM could be undermined if forces leave areas where Somali security institutions remain insufficiently prepared.

The warning comes as Al-Shabaab continues to maintain operational capabilities in parts of Somalia, while Somali and AUSSOM forces conduct operations aimed at weakening the group.

AUSSOM’s Funding Problem

A major challenge facing AUSSOM is the uncertainty surrounding its long-term financing.

Uganda has called for reforms to the mission’s funding arrangements, arguing that African troops have carried a significant security burden in Somalia without a sufficiently predictable source of financing.

AUSSOM requires sustained funding for troop allowances, vehicles, fuel, medical services, supplies and military operations.

Any disruption to these resources could directly affect the mission’s ability to maintain troops in remote and strategically important locations.

The situation has become more concerning amid plans for the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) to end its operations at the end of December 2026.

UNSOS currently provides AUSSOM with critical logistical support, including transportation, aviation, medical and technical services.

Security Before Withdrawal

The debate surrounding AUSSOM is therefore increasingly focused not simply on whether African Union forces will leave Somalia, but when and under what conditions.

Uganda believes troop reductions should correspond with improvements in Somalia’s security capabilities. Areas should only be handed over when Somali forces have the personnel, equipment, intelligence, logistics and other resources required to maintain control.

Kiwanuka has also stressed that military operations alone cannot provide a lasting solution to Somalia’s instability.

Political dialogue and reconciliation between the Federal Government and federal member states, he argued, are also essential to creating sustainable peace.

Somalia’s Forces Face a Major Test

Somalia has been working for years to gradually transfer security responsibilities from international forces to the Somali National Army and other domestic security institutions.

That process involves handing over bases and areas previously secured by African Union forces. However, Uganda is warning that the transition must not move faster than Somalia’s ability to fill the resulting security gaps.

The challenge is particularly significant in areas where Somali forces still depend on external assistance for logistics, intelligence, medical support and operational capabilities.

Uganda’s Long Role Against Al-Shabaab

Uganda has extensive experience fighting Al-Shabaab in Somalia. Its forces were among the first African Union troops deployed to the country and have participated in major operations across southern Somalia.

In 2026, Ugandan troops serving under AUSSOM continue to operate alongside Somali forces, particularly in South West State and Lower Shabelle. Kampala views Somalia’s security as closely linked to the wider stability of East Africa.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has also stressed that Somalia should not be abandoned as international concerns grow over the future of the mission.

For Uganda, the central message is clear: the international community should protect the security gains achieved over nearly two decades while ensuring that Somalia’s security responsibilities are transferred gradually and responsibly.

The future of AUSSOM will ultimately depend on whether its financial and logistical challenges can be addressed while Somali forces develop the capacity to take over.

For Uganda, a withdrawal that creates a security vacuum would risk undoing years of progress against Al-Shabaab.