MOGADISHU (SD) — Uganda is reportedly urging Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to reach a political agreement with opposition groups, as growing tensions over elections threaten to complicate the future of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

According to Africa Intelligence, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni raised concerns about Somalia’s political divisions during his August 4 meeting with Hassan Sheikh in Entebbe.

Uganda is one of the largest contributors of troops to AUSSOM and has played a major role in the fight against Al-Shabaab. Kampala is concerned that political disputes could distract the Somali government from security operations and delay the transfer of responsibility to Somali forces.

The main disagreement remains over elections, including the government’s push for one-person, one-vote and opposition demands for a broader political agreement.

Museveni also recently hosted a summit of AUSSOM troop-contributing countries, where political dialogue was reportedly included in discussions about the mission’s future.
Uganda’s position highlights a growing concern among Somalia’s security partners: military support cannot succeed without political stability.

There is no confirmed indication that Uganda plans to withdraw its troops. However, continued political deadlock could increase pressure on Hassan Sheikh to compromise with the opposition and federal member states.

With AUSSOM already facing financial and logistical challenges, including the planned end of UNSOS support in December 2026, Somalia’s political crisis could become an increasingly serious threat to the country’s security transition.