KAMPALA — Uganda has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining troops in Somalia as uncertainty grows over the future of the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which continues to face significant funding challenges.

Uganda’s Defence Minister, Kiryowa Kiwanuka, said Kampala intends to sustain its military contribution to Somalia and plans to deploy a new contingent of troops, underscoring Uganda’s continued role in regional efforts to support security and stability in the country.

The announcement comes as discussions intensify over the future of AUSSOM and the security arrangements expected to follow the mission’s current framework through the end of 2026.

Uganda has also called for changes to the way AUSSOM is financed, stressing the need for a predictable and sustainable funding mechanism to ensure the mission can carry out its mandate effectively.

Kampala says reliable financing will be critical to supporting Somalia’s security transition, particularly as Somali forces gradually take on greater responsibility for securing the country while continuing operations against Al-Shabaab.

Uganda remains one of the key troop-contributing countries to the African Union mission in Somalia and has played a central role in international efforts to support Somali security institutions.