Facing UN Exit and U.S. Budget Cuts, Troop-Contributing Nations Convene in Kampala over Somalia Mission

What the report says

Watchdog Uganda reports that Uganda is hosting the second Extraordinary Summit of troop-contributing countries to the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia, known as AUSSOM, at Speke Resort Munyonyo from July 29 to 31, 2026. The meeting began Wednesday with a session of chiefs of defence forces chaired by Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.

According to the report, participants include military and political leaders from Uganda, Kenya, Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Egypt and Somalia, as well as senior representatives of the African Union, United Nations and IGAD. The summit is being held under the theme “Sustaining Somalia’s Stabilisation Process” and is reviewing the security situation, AUSSOM’s performance since replacing ATMIS in 2025, cooperation with Somali National Forces, capacity building and operations against Al-Shabaab.

The article identifies funding as the central challenge. It says delegates are discussing the expected end of the United Nations Support Office in Somalia by December 2026 and the withdrawal of U.S. financial support, which the publisher reports has contributed to a 25% budget reduction affecting logistics and frontline activity. The summit is therefore looking at alternative financing and greater African Union self-reliance to avoid gaps in the mission.

Watchdog Uganda frames Uganda’s role as significant because it has been a major troop contributor in Somalia since 2007. The outcome matters for Somalia and the wider region because instability can affect East Africa through militancy, displacement and economic disruption. Heads of state are expected to meet on July 31, when decisions may shape the next phase of the mission.