I have arrived back home after a productive two-day working visit to the United Republic of Tanzania. I thank H.E. Dr. @SuluhuSamia Hassan and the people of Tanzania for the warm hospitality extended to me and my delegation
Congratulations, Afande Maj General @AsaphMweteise , and major Gen. Mugisha, on a job well done. We are proud of both generals for your dedication, professionalism, and commitment to ensuring the security of our beloved Mzee , a national priority.
Finally, thank you, Afande CDF General @mkainerugaba , for your exceptional mentorship and for inspiring the very best in our Army. Your leadership continues to motivate excellence and unwavering service to our nation.
Barugahara Balaam Ateenyi
Africa Will Not Abandon Somalia, Says General Museveni
Kampala, Friday 31 July 2026
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reaffirmed Uganda’s strategic commitment to peace and regional stability in the Horn of Africa, emphasizing that the intervention in Somalia remains grounded in Pan-African solidarity, principle, and long-term security strategy rather than mere geographical proximity.
Speaking during the closing ceremony of a three-day summit that brought together Heads of State from troop-contributing countries to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), namely Uganda, Ethiopia, Kenya, Djibouti, Egypt, and Burundi, the President noted that although Uganda does not share a direct territorial border with Somalia, its military presence alongside regional forces was a deliberate decision rooted in core Pan-African principles.
President Museveni explained that Uganda's intervention in Somalia rests on two primary pillars: rejecting religious extremism that threatens societal cohesion and demonstrating tangible solidarity with neighboring countries facing systemic regional threats. He cautioned against extremist groups seeking to impose ideological and religious chauvinism on African populations.
Reflecting on regional security dynamics, President Museveni recalled that similar ideological pressures had previously emerged from Khartoum in Sudan before spreading into Somalia, making a decisive intervention necessary to safeguard the region's shared future. Highlighting the interconnected nature of security in the Horn of Africa, he stated that Uganda's involvement was also an act of direct solidarity with Ethiopia, which faced strategic pressures from hostile groups operating across regional borders.
Addressing ideological intolerance, Museveni stressed that African societies possess a rich history defined by diversity, mutual respect, and coexistence. While different cultures maintain their own deeply rooted traditions and prohibitions, referencing past discussions with former Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir regarding traditional African and Islamic concepts of prohibition, the African way of life relies on respecting individual differences rather than forcing narrow doctrines onto others. He concluded by calling on ideological groups to respect the sovereignty and social fabric of African nations, reiterating that regional leaders remain united in ensuring Somalia achieves lasting peace, self-determination, and institutional stability.
The Heads of State session followed earlier deliberations by the Chiefs of Defence Forces (CDFs) and Ministers of Defence from the participating nations. During the military chiefs' meeting, Ugandan CDF Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who chaired the session, called for swift action as the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) prepares to conclude operations by December 31, 2026.
"These are difficult circumstances, but they also call for our unity, creativity, and resolve," Gen. Kainerugaba stated, emphasizing the need for troop-contributing countries to fast-track African-led alternative arrangements. The recommendations generated by the CDFs were subsequently adopted by the ministers before being presented to the Heads of State.
Also speaking at the summit, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf expressed deep gratitude to Uganda, noting that the country has stood as one of the pillars of Africa's engagement in Somalia for close to 20 years.
"Its leadership and the sacrifices borne by its forces, and by those of all troop- and police-contributing countries, command our deepest appreciation," he said.
Today, at Speke Resort Munyonyo, I chaired the 2nd Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Troop-Contributing Countries to the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). I pointed out that Uganda’s involvement in Somalia was never because we share a border, but out of principle and strategy. We rejected the extremism that seeks to impose itself on African societies and stood in solidarity with our brothers and sisters.
Africa has a rich history of respecting one another’s identity, and I remain confident that, through our collective efforts, we shall continue supporting Somalia’s journey towards lasting peace and stability. I thank the Troop-Contributing Countries and their leaders for their commitment and sacrifice in the pursuit of a peaceful and stable Somalia.
I welcomed Hon. Beccy Cooper MP, Chair of the UK All-Party Parliamentary Group on Global Health.
We discussed strengthening Uganda-UK collaboration in healthcare, particularly in medical training, skills transfer, and improving health service delivery. I also briefed her on Uganda’s successful defeat of the recent Ebola outbreak, which demonstrated the dedication of our health workers and the effectiveness of our response systems.
Thank you for the warm reception to our guests Gen. The @PressACP is a critical partner especially in relation to the partnership with @EUCouncil and 79 members of Global South extending from Africa, Caribbean and Pacific.
General Kainerugaba, Secretary General of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States Meet in Munyonyo
Kampala, Wednesday, 29 July 2026
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces of the Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF), and Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations (SPA/SO) today welcomed H.E. Moussa Saleh Batraki, Secretary-General of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), at Commonwealth Resort Munyonyo.
The meeting, also attended by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament Rt Hon Thomas Tayebwa was held on the sidelines of the summit of Troop and Police contributing countries in Kampala at Speke Resort Munyonyo. The summit kicked off today with meetings of the Chiefs of Defence Forces chaired by General Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
The three day AUSSOM summit will continue tomorrow with the meeting of Defence Ministers, culminating into the final meeting of Heads of State on Friday, 31 July 2026. The summit is being held under the theme ‘To Sustain the Stabilization Process in Somalia.’
The interface between General Kainerugaba and HE Moussa Batraki provided an opportunity to exchange views on regional peace, security, and cooperation. The Secretary-General commended the Republic of Uganda for its continued contribution to peacebuilding and regional stability, recognizing the country's leadership and the professionalism of the UPDF in promoting peace across the region.
General Kainerugaba reaffirmed Uganda's commitment to working with regional and international partners to advance peace, stability, and sustainable development, underscoring that security remains a cornerstone for the prosperity of Africa and the wider OACPS community.
#UPDF #Uganda #OACPS #RegionalSecurity #Peacebuilding #Diplomacy #Africa
Our Generational Leader and commander , @mkainerugaba, had the honour of meeting H.E. President @PaulKagame in Kigali Rwanda .
The visionary leadership of President @PaulKagame, together with the guidance and statesmanship of our great father, President @KagutaMuseveni, continues to inspire and strengthen @mkainerugaba’s leadership for the future.
Tuta shikilia hapo tu, atubanduki.
@mkainerugaba is our next President.
Gen Kainerugaba Arrives in Kigali for Bilateral Engagements
The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of the Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has arrived in Kigali for an official working visit.
During his stay, Gen Kainerugaba is slated to hold discussions with the senior leadership of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and is also scheduled to meet with Rwandan President H.E. Paul Kagame.
The talks are expected to center on deepening military cooperation and other areas of mutual interest.
The visit marks Gen Kainerugaba's latest high-level engagement in the Rwandan capital, underscoring the continued strengthening of bilateral ties between the two neighbours.
Upon arrival, Gen Kainerugaba was received by his Rwandan counterpart, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Mubarakh Muganga, alongside the Commander of the Republican Guard, Major General Willy Rwagasana and the Ugandan Defence Attaché to Rwanda, Col Ezekeil Matsiko.
Source: Kampala Post