By Mike Rwothomio 

Uganda is at the forefront of efforts to ensure Somalia remains a stable and peaceful nation, stressing that Somalia’s stability is essential for the security and prosperity of Africa as a whole.

State Minister for Defence in charge of Veteran Affairs, Hon. Huda Olero, made the remarks during the ongoing high-level summit in Kampala, which has brought together troop-contributing countries to the African Union Mission in Somalia.

“The purpose of this summit is to review nearly 20 years of collective efforts in stabilizing Somalia and to chart the way forward for sustaining the peace and security gains already achieved,” Olero said.

The three-day meeting started   with a technical session of Chiefs of Defence Forces (CDFs) from the contributing countries. 

The  Council of Ministers also  examined  the CDFs’ report, making comments and recommendations for  w presentation  to Heads of State Summit.

Olero explained that the contributing countries, in partnership with the United Nations and the African Union, have been engaged in Somalia to restore and maintain stability.

“We are aware that if the Republic of Somalia is very stable, the whole of Africa is very stable,” she stated.

The summit is focused on a smooth transition and practical strategies to preserve the current peaceful environment, strengthen security, and support continued development. 

Key achievements noted include significant economic transformation and infrastructure development in Somalia. However, the threat from Al-Shabaab remains, requiring sustained vigilance and enhanced cooperation.

“We have already done a lot. We are discussing how we can still make it better… to keep the peace that has already been established in Somalia,” the minister added.

The Kampala summit is expected to conclude  with key decisions from the Heads of State of the troop-contributing countries.

Minister Olero also praised President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his longstanding leadership and iconic contribution to peace efforts in East Africa and specifically in Somalia.

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at Zoomer Africa, your number one grassroot infomation hub for African news, trends and updates.