By: Isamel Kasooha
Luanda, Angola
President Yoweri Museveni has asked the African Union and European Union to prioritize the funding of the fight against extremist groups such as Al-Shabaab in Somalia.
Museveni noted that the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia faces serious funding challenges noting that the Mission requires USD 15 millionper month to function effectively.
“You will recall that the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia was closed with USD 96 million in outstanding arrears. The African Union has repeatedly called for the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2719 to ensure predictable, and sustainable financing. It is worth noting that the budget for the UN Support Office in Somalia is expected to face a 25% cut. If this Mission fails, the investments so far made by the European Union and partners will go to waste and the gains made against Al-Shabaab could be reversed. This has severe negative consequences for maritime security and international trade,” observed Museveni.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja (centre) presenting Uganda’s statement at the AU-EU summit in Luanda, Angola
This was contained in the President’s message at the 7th African Union-European Union summit delivered by the Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja in Luanda, Angola.
The summit that began with cultural dances, was attended by Presidents and Heads of State from Africa and Europe.
The President said Uganda fully supports multilateralism and called for further investment in peace and security across Africa as this benefits both the continent and the wider international community.
“Before the African Union intervention in Somalia, the cost of piracy associated with Al-Shabaab was USD 7 billion. Supporting the African Union intervention in Somalia is, therefore, justified because it yields a high return on investment,” emphasized Museveni.
“Your Excellences, Ladies and Gentlemen, the African Union has contributed USD 20 million to the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia under the Crisis Reserve Facility for 2025. This contribution, however, does not free the UN Security Council from its primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security,” Museveni noted.
The President saluted all the partners who participated, or made pledges during the High-Level African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission financing event held on 25th September 2025 in New York, and the European Union’s commitment to supporting the Mission.
A section of Presidents and Heads of State and Government pose for a group photo in Luanda, Angola after day one of the summit
“Uganda reiterates its support for multilateralism. Investing in peace and security in Africa benefits both the continent and the wider international community. Through such investments, we can build stable societies capable of engaging in mutually beneficial trade and investment, as well as create necessary conditions to reduce irregular migration. Investment in peace benefits all of us,” the statement read in part.
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Muhammad Ali Yosouf called for more mutual benefit between Africa and Europe.
The President of the European Union Commission, Ursula Von Der Leyen said that Africa and Europe should be partners by choice and for mutual benefit.
On the sidelines of the summit, the Prime Minister held a productive engagement with her counterpart of the Netherlands Mr. D. Schoof. Nabbanja requested the Dutch to step in and fill the gap left by the US pulling out from supporting the refugee programs in Uganda.
She noted that Uganda needed partners to help with supporting her host the very big numbers of refugees.
Nabbanja invited Schoof to visit Uganda soon.
On his part, the Dutch Prime Minister Schoof expressed his appreciation to the government of Uganda at the highest political level for Uganda’s outstanding commitment to hosting refugees and showing a good model of refugee hosting in Africa.
The 7th AU–EU Summit held from 24–25 November 2025 in Luanda, Republic of Angola, brought together Heads of State and Government from African Union Member States and European Union Member States to reaffirm their long-standing partnership and chart a renewed path of cooperation.
The Summit is co-chaired by H.E. João Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola and Chairperson of the African Union, and H.E. António Costa, President of the European Council. H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and H.E. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission attended.
Taking place at a time of profound global uncertainties and shifting geopolitical dynamics, the Summit offered an opportunity for both continents to reaffirm their shared commitment to multilateralism, solidarity, and joint action to address common challenges.
It marked the 25th Anniversary of the AU–EU Partnership and coincided with Angola’s Presidency of the African Union underscoring Africa’s growing leadership in defining global objectives.
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