Uganda has renewed its call for Africa to take greater responsibility for its own peace and security, urging the African Union (AU) to develop stronger, sustainable and self-reliant mechanisms for dealing with conflicts across the continent.Uganda made the position known during the 21st Extraordinary Session of the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Luanda, Angola, where leaders are considering measures to strengthen Africa’s ability to prevent and resolve conflicts.
Leading Uganda’s delegation, Dr. Edith Namutebi delivered the country’s statement during the Executive Council meeting held under the theme, “Strengthening Mechanisms for Conflict Prevention and Resolution in Africa.”Representing the Minister of Defense and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, Dr. Namutebi urged the continent to widen its network of partners and explore alternative sources of support for peace initiatives. She highlighted the potential contribution of African financial institutions, development agencies, the private sector, the African diaspora and other non-traditional partners.Uganda also backed a gradual and phased expansion of the AU’s internal revenue mechanisms, while cautioning that the process should reflect the different economic circumstances and domestic priorities of individual member states.
The Ugandan delegation raised particular concern about delays affecting AU peace support missions and called for the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2719, adopted in 2023. The resolution provides a framework for UN-assessed contributions towards eligible AU-led peace operations.Uganda stressed that missions such as the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) require predictable and sustainable financial backing to effectively carry out their responsibilities and support efforts to restore stability.Dr. Namutebi further called for greater efficiency, accountability and coordination between the AU, Regional Economic Communities, Regional Mechanisms and bilateral security frameworks. Uganda maintained that stronger African ownership and institutional responsibility, backed by dependable financing and better coordination, are crucial to confronting the continent’s evolving security threats.
