MOGADISHU — Uganda’s Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, General Sam Okiding, arrived in Mogadishu on Tuesday to attend a high-level meeting of defence chiefs from countries contributing troops to the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

General Okiding was received upon arrival by senior officers of the Somali National Armed Forces.

The meeting is expected to focus on strengthening regional security cooperation, intensifying military operations against Al-Shabaab, improving intelligence-sharing and enhancing support for the Somali National Army.

The defence chiefs will review a joint operational plan developed by military experts to implement the resolutions adopted at the Extraordinary Summit of AUSSOM troop-contributing countries held in Kampala.

The proposed plan outlines coordinated measures to accelerate counterterrorism operations, strengthen intelligence-sharing and improve the coordination of military personnel, equipment and other operational resources.

The plan has been submitted to the participating defence chiefs for review and approval. Once endorsed, it is expected to guide the next phase of joint military operations aimed at weakening Al-Shabaab and advancing peace, security and long-term stability in Somalia and the wider region.