Uganda to Convene Regional Summit Addressing Counterterrorism Strategies in the Horn of Africa
KAMPALA, Uganda — In a bid to foster international collaboration and bolster regional security, President Yoweri Museveni has announced that Uganda will hold a significant summit on April 25. This meeting is part of a broader effort to engage important stakeholders in an ever-evolving dialogue concerning the AUSSOM operation underway in Somalia.
The operation, which launched at the dawn of 2025, has its sights set squarely on stabilizing this turbulent region. But why, you may ask, does this summit hold any special importance now? In a world where the shadows of terrorism continue to distort reality and sow fear, gatherings like these become beacons of hope and solidarity.
It’s expected that leaders from nations contributing their troops to the operation, along with Egypt—a notable new entrant—will grace the event. This assembly of minds and hearts aims to unravel effective strategies to combat terrorist activities emanating from the Horn of Africa. This area has long been besieged by the harrowing acts of Al-Shabaab, an infamous group affiliated with Al-Qaeda.
Al-Shabaab has ingrained itself as a formidable force, controlling swathes of land in Somalia since 2008 and leaving many to ponder the resilience required to diminish their influence. The summit’s agenda stands as a clarion call for international unity to tackle the pervasive threat they pose.
Embodying a spirit of cooperation, the AUSSOM operation is a coalition of around 11,000 troops aligned in support of the Somali government. This collaboration aims to gain back control over territories haunted by the shadow of Al-Shabaab. Over the course of a year, the mission intends to empower Somali forces, elevating their capabilities and fortifying their resolve.
“Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.” — Henry Ford
If you dig deeper into the realm of international relations, you’ll discover compelling stories where plans evolve on both grand stages and in quiet corridors. One such recent dialogue occurred on April 5, when Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met with Museveni in Kampala. The conversation centered around reinforcing their countries’ bilateral relations, grappling with regional security concerns, and fortifying their united stance against Al-Shabaab’s unsettling threat.
Uganda, a frontline contributor to peacekeeping in Somalia, first extended its military presence back in 2007. It was a leap of faith—a perhaps risky commitment to peace that many believed could falter under the immense pressure. Yet, Uganda’s resolve never wavered. Today, more than 4,000 Ugandan soldiers continue to anchor vital points, like the Aden Adde International Airport and the critical port areas, executing operations designed to cripple Al-Shabaab’s stronghold in Mogadishu.
As we stand at the threshold of yet another pivotal moment, where the past informs the future, and courage confronts uncertainty, we are reminded of a vital question: How can nations bridge their boundaries to forge alliances that transcend politics and geography for a safer world?
This summit in Kampala could be more than just a footnote in history. It could mark a deeper commitment, a pledge among nations to move beyond words and into the realm of sustained action. Indeed, how will these conversations shape strategies poised to dismantle terror networks, build resilient communities, and spell hope for future generations?
AXADLETM
Edited By Ali Musa, Axadle Times International–Monitoring.
