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  • EGYPT’S MEGA-FORTRESS: Cairo unveils world’s largest military HQ ‘The Octagon’, BIGGER than USA’s Pentangon

     

    * Egypt has officially opened ‘The Octagon’, a staggering 22,000-acre military complex that dwarfs the US Pentagon.
    * The facility features eight octagonal buildings, each representing a branch of the Egyptian Armed Forces.
    * Security experts say the massive defense investment sends a powerful ripple effect across African military strategy, including Uganda.

    KAMPALA – Egypt has made a definitive statement in global military infrastructure, officially opening ‘The Octagon’—a colossal new defense headquarters that now holds the title of the largest in the world.

    The massive 22,000-acre complex, situated in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital, was officially inaugurated by President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.

    Spanning more than 50 million square feet of floor area, the sheer scale of the mega-fortress completely overshadows the United States Pentagon in both land footprint and total built-up space.

    A Pharaonic Nerve Center

    Designed using striking Pharaonic-inspired aesthetics, the complex is structured in a geometric octagonal layout. The eight primary outer structures represent the eight distinct branches of the Egyptian Armed Forces.

    More than just an office space, the multi-billion-dollar facility is designed to act as a self-contained military city. It integrates state-of-the-art command, control, and national crisis management centers with advanced, secure communication networks.

    The site also features its own residential zones, medical facilities, and robust logistical hubs, marking a major milestone in Egypt’s broader strategy to relocate critical government functions away from Cairo.

    The Uganda Connection: Why Kampala is Watching

    While the mega-project sits thousands of kilometers north of Kampala, defense analysts in East Africa say the development carries major strategic significance for Uganda and the wider region.

    Egypt commands one of the most powerful militaries on the African continent. This massive infrastructure upgrade arrives amid prolonged, highly delicate diplomatic and security tensions across the Horn of Africa and the Nile Basin—both areas of critical strategic interest to Uganda.

    Currently, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) remain heavily engaged in intensive peacekeeping and counter-terrorism operations across East Africa, notably in Somalia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

    Rethinking African Command Structure

    While Uganda’s own military command centers are built on a far more modest scale, regional security experts believe Egypt’s architectural leap will force a rethink on how African nations invest in their defense modernization.

    “The Octagon is not just a collection of buildings; it is a physical symbol of Egypt’s ambition to project power and ensure rapid, centralized response capabilities,” a Kampala-based security expert told Watchdog Uganda on condition of anonymity.

    “For Uganda, it raises vital questions about how we can enhance our own command infrastructure as threats from localized insurgencies and border disputes persist.”

    Strategic Alliances

    Egypt and Uganda have long enjoyed robust bilateral relations, underpinned by formal cooperation pacts spanning trade, agriculture, and specialized military training.

    Diplomatic observers note that Cairo’s massive infrastructure push could serve as a blueprint for other African armies, potentially inspiring the UPDF to prioritize high-tech, centralized facilities to streamline command and control.

    As the Ugandan government continues to push for localized growth within its domestic defense industries and improved welfare for its frontline soldiers, developments like ‘The Octagon’ serve as a stark reminder of the growing premium placed on robust military infrastructure within an increasingly volatile global climate.

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  • Bob-Manuel Udokwu Explains Why Male Actors Struggle More Financially Than Actresses

    Bob-Manuel Udokwu Explains Why Male Actors Struggle More Financially Than Actresses

    Veteran Nollywood actor Bob-Manuel Udokwu has shared his thoughts on why many male actors face greater financial pressure than their female colleagues.

    Speaking in a recent interview with Udala, the actor argued that the difference has less to do with what Nollywood pays and more to do with the responsibilities men carry.

    According to Udokwu, male actors often shoulder heavy financial obligations, making it harder for them to build lasting wealth despite successful careers.

    Life is generally easier for women than it is for men. It is not that Nollywood does not pay, but actors have a lot of bills to settle.

    Udokwu said the issue became painfully clear to him when John Okafor fell ill and appealed for financial support before his death.

    He recalled feeling disappointed by people who questioned what the late actor had done with the money he earned throughout his career.

    > It pained me when John Okafor fell ill before he eventually passed away. While we were trying to raise funds for his treatment, some people on social media kept asking, ‘Where is all the money he made from acting?’

    The veteran actor said many people failed to appreciate the financial realities entertainers face behind the scenes.

    They did not understand the realities of the profession. I did not even know he had married more than one wife then.

  • INVEST IN UGANDA, BUILD BRIDGES: Tororo MP Shyam Tanna Urges Indian Community to Deepen Integration and Drive Shared Prosperity

    INVEST IN UGANDA, BUILD BRIDGES: Tororo MP Shyam Tanna Urges Indian Community to Deepen Integration and Drive Shared Prosperity

    JINJA, UGANDA – In a powerful appeal for social cohesion and economic patriotism, the newly elected Member of Parliament for Tororo Municipality, Hon. Shyam Jay Tanna, has called on the Indian (Bayindi) community in Uganda to deepen their integration with host communities through mutual respect, harmony, and shared prosperity.

    Speaking at a high-profile gathering organized by the Indian Association Uganda (East-North Sector) in Jinja City, the 27-year-old independent lawmaker addressed an audience of Indian association members, prominent industrialists, and business leaders. The event was held to celebrate both his historic election victory and the appointment of his uncle, Hon. Sanjay Tanna, who recently assumed office as Uganda’s Minister of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives for the 2026–2031 term.

    In a video shared on his X account, Hon. Shyam Tanna emphasized that the community must wholeheartedly view Uganda as their true home, looking beyond mere commercial interests to build deep, human connections.

    “I continue to advocate for stronger relationships with our host communities, built on mutual respect, harmony, and shared prosperity,” Tanna stated.

    He strongly encouraged members to reinvest their profits locally, create sustainable employment opportunities for indigenous Ugandans, and actively drive national development instead of repatriating all their capital overseas.

    “How we treat local communities, our house helps, and the people we trade with matters immensely. India may be the Janmabhumi (land of birth) for some, but Uganda is our Karmabhumi (land of action). We must treat home like home.”

    A Historic Milestone in National Politics

    The gathering highlights the expanding political space and influence of Ugandans of Indian descent. Born and raised in Tororo to a prominent business and political family with roots spanning more than a century, Shyam Tanna made political waves earlier this year by winning the Tororo Municipality parliamentary seat as an independent candidate. At just 27, he secured a historic victory by defeating the veteran incumbent, Apollo Yeri Ofwono.

    The family’s political legacy runs deep. His uncle, the newly minted Trade Minister Sanjay Tanna, previously served two terms in the same parliamentary seat. Minister Sanjay Tanna’s promotion to the cabinet marks a historic milestone as the first Ugandan of Asian origin to hold a full cabinet ministerial position in decades.

    During the event, Minister Sanjay Tanna echoed his nephew’s sentiments, challenging Indian industrialists to not only focus on the country’s high-potential sectors like agro-processing, mining, and tourism, but to also observe proper social conduct, respect local traditions, and support indigenous Ugandans in becoming self-reliant.

    Facing Modern Realities and Historical Shadows

    Local leaders at the event highly commended the Indian business community for their vast industrial investments, which serve as major engines for job creation and economic growth in the Busoga region. However, they equally re-emphasized the need for a closer cultural embrace and peaceful coexistence.

    These deliberate calls for cultural harmony arrive against the backdrop of occasional online friction regarding full integration, often stoked by historical references to the 1972 mass expulsion of Asians under the regime of Idi Amin.

    Hon. Shyam Tanna openly addressed the reality of race-related trolling on social media, noting that public perception is shaped by everyday interactions. He urged the community to treat workers—such as domestic helpers, drivers, and casual laborers—with deep humanity and kindness to foster long-term harmony.

    In response, the leadership of the Indian Association reaffirmed the community’s steadfast commitment to expanding corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, including localized medical camps and blood donation drives, to support grassroots economic empowerment.

    Watchdog Uganda will continue to monitor community relations, trade policy developments under the new ministry, and the expanding economic contributions of minority groups across the country.

  • Paddy Man Names Judith Babirye the Most Naturally Gifted Artist He Has Produced

    Paddy Man Names Judith Babirye the Most Naturally Gifted Artist He Has Produced

    After producing some of Uganda’s biggest musicians over the years, veteran producer Paddy Man says no artist has left a bigger impression on him in the recording studio than gospel singer Judith Babirye.

    Speaking to YouTubers Shalom 256 and Frank Ntambi, Paddy Man praised Babirye’s natural ability, saying she needed very little time to record a song compared to many other artists.

    According to the producer, while most musicians require several takes to perfect a recording, Babirye often completed hers in a single attempt.

    Everyone handles themselves differently, but there are songs where Judith Babirye entered the studio, walked to the microphone and sang them in one take from start to finish. One of them is ‘Yesu Amanyi’

    Paddy Man said that consistency is what separates Babirye from every artist he has produced throughout his career.

    Although he declined to compare her with other musicians by name, saying such comparisons only invite unnecessary criticism, he stood by his view that Judith Babirye remains the most naturally gifted artist he has ever worked with.

  • Prima Kardashi: If You Trust Your Partner, You Don’t Need a DNA Test

    Prima Kardashi: If You Trust Your Partner, You Don’t Need a DNA Test

    Prima Kardashi believes trust should settle questions of paternity long before a DNA test ever becomes necessary.

    Speaking on Sanyuka Weekender, the socialite and reality TV star questioned why some men demand DNA tests despite claiming to trust their partners.

    She insisted she has never given anyone a reason to doubt the paternity of her children and rejected the idea that every father should seek scientific confirmation.

    Prima Kardashi

    Why would you do it? Unless you do not trust me. I do not have any sign of tying a child to another man. I am not desperate and I do not have another man to claim that I gave birth for them. I cannot relate to such.

    To reinforce her argument, Prima pointed to media personality Zahara Totto, insisting that people should judge every woman according to her own circumstances.

    Prima Kardashi Marriage

    DNA tests should be done on women like Zahara who have had kids with different men.

    Beyond the DNA debate, Prima encouraged young women to stay in school, make responsible choices and avoid early pregnancies, saying the decisions they make today can shape the rest of their lives.

  • “I Have Just Begun” – Bad Black Marks 37th Birthday With Bold Message

    “I Have Just Begun” – Bad Black Marks 37th Birthday With Bold Message

    Bad Black has celebrated her 37th birthday with a confident message that suggests she believes her biggest achievements still lie ahead.

    The outspoken Ugandan socialite marked the occasion by sharing a glamorous birthday photoshoot, posing in a striking red fur coat layered over a black outfit and completing the look with designer accessories and towering heels.

    More than the photos, however, it was her caption that captured the attention of fans.

    37… and I have just begun.

    The brief statement quickly drew reactions across social media, with fans filling her comment section with birthday wishes as they celebrated the new milestone alongside her.

    Bad Black’s message also reflected the confidence that has come to define her public image in recent years.

    After spending years at the centre of Uganda’s entertainment headlines, she has increasingly used social media to share her journey as an entrepreneur, influencer, and mother.

    If her birthday post is any indication, Bad Black sees turning 37 not as a milestone to slow down, but as the beginning of an exciting new chapter.

  • Cindy Says Unpaid Balance Forced Her to Skip UG Fest London Performance

    Cindy Says Unpaid Balance Forced Her to Skip UG Fest London Performance

    Everything appeared to be in place for Cindy‘s performance at UG Fest London on July 4. The stage was set, the fans had arrived, and the singer had even prepared a special outfit for the occasion.

    But one thing never came: the balance of her performance fee.

    In a video circulating online, Cindy said she waited for hours as the organisers repeatedly assured her that the payment was on its way. When the money failed to arrive, she decided not to perform.

    I came through. I made this costume just for today. It was awesome, but I have been waiting for my payment since this afternoon. You have been telling me, ‘I am going to pay, just one minute, just two minutes, just hold on.’ But I just did not receive the payment.

    The decision meant disappointing hundreds of fans, something Cindy admitted weighed heavily on her.

    Even so, she insisted she could not step onto the stage without receiving the agreed payment.

    As an artist, I feel sorry for every fan that came through, but this is my job. I cannot get on stage without getting paid for performing.

    Cindy apologised to fans for the missed performance and expressed hope that future engagements would not end the same way.

    This is not the end. I love my people… There will be another show, and I know it will not happen again.

    UG Fest London, organised by Jose Jobs Link Group, also featured performances from A Pass, Vyroota, Suuna Ben, Ray G, Kasuku, and Stabua Natooro.

    Singer Omega 256 was also expected to perform but did not travel to London.

  • More Ugandans evacuated from South Africa

    More Ugandans evacuated from South Africa

    The Government of Uganda received a third group of 255 Ugandan nationals evacuated from South Africa following recent anti-migrant protests and xenophobic attacks.

    The returnees arrived at Entebbe International Airport, where they were received by Foreign Service Officer Ambassador Dickson Ogwang Okul, who represented the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    Addressing the returnees, Ambassador Ogwang said the successful evacuation demonstrated the Government’s commitment to safeguarding the lives and welfare of Ugandans living abroad.

    “I want to recognise the strategic vision of our Commander-in-Chief, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, whose primary directive has always been the safety of Ugandans,” Ambassador Dickson said.

    He commended the Deputy Operations Commander of the Special Forces Command, Lt Col Frank Murema, for his commitment to the evacuation exercise, saying he worked closely with Uganda’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Paul Omoru, to ensure the safe return of the affected Ugandans.

    The ambassador also recognised the Acting Director of Defence Public Information, Col Chris Magezi, for his efforts on behalf of the office of the Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba.

    According to Ambassador Ogwang, the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Special Forces Command provided operational planning and strategic support that enabled the evacuation to be carried out successfully.

    “This is a true display of inter-agency collaboration at its finest, where diplomacy needs defence to protect citizens on the frontline,” he said.

    Speaking at the reception, Col Magezi urged Ugandans who remained in South Africa to register for evacuation and return home, noting that many were still in hiding following the attacks.

    “I urge other Ugandans who are still there to come back home because our country’s economy is growing,” Col Magezi said.

    He observed that many Ugandans had left the country more than two decades ago, believing opportunities were limited, but noted that Uganda had since registered significant economic growth and now offered numerous opportunities, particularly through government wealth creation programmes.

    Col Magezi assured the returnees that the government would continue supporting them during their reintegration. He added that they would also have an opportunity to present their concerns to the President, while those who lost their livelihoods would receive appropriate government support.

    The President General of the Confederation of Uganda in Southern Africa (COUSA), Mr Moses Kibombo Ssentongo, thanked President Museveni and the Chief of Defence Forces for the swift intervention that enabled stranded Ugandans to return home safely.

    He appealed to the Government to reopen evacuation arrangements, saying many more Ugandans wished to return.

    “According to the numbers we have, Ugandans are struggling to come back home. I appeal to the President and the CDF to open up so that we can bring back more Ugandans,” Kibombo said.

    He disclosed that about 1,200 Ugandans had already registered for repatriation and were awaiting evacuation, warning that many continued to seek urgent assistance amid the ongoing unrest.

    The General Secretary of COUSA, Mr Ashraf Kwiri, also commended the Government for responding to appeals from affected Ugandans and facilitating their safe return.

    He said many of the returnees had lost businesses, employment and property during the attacks.

    “On our register we had teachers, mechanics, doctors, hairdressers and businessmen who have all lost their jobs and property,” he said.

    He also thanked the Government for ensuring that all affected Ugandans were assisted regardless of their political affiliation.

    Among those present at the reception were the Director of Political Commissariat at the Special Forces Command, Col Moses Musinguzi, Deputy Operations Commander of the Special Forces Command Lt Col Frank Murema, among others.

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  • Gen. Salim Saleh Launches Land Management Centre to Tackle Land Wrangles

    Gen. Salim Saleh Launches Land Management Centre to Tackle Land Wrangles

    KAMPALA — Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) Civil Coordinator for the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area, Edison Kirabira, has urged landowners, landlords, tenants and prospective land buyers to embrace the newly established Land Management Centre, describing it as a major step toward reducing land grabbing, fraudulent land transactions and ownership disputes across Uganda.

    Kirabira made the remarks following the launch of the centre by Gen. Caleb Akandwanaho, popularly known as Salim Saleh, the Chief Coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation, at Matugga on Friday.

    He described the initiative as a timely intervention aimed at strengthening land administration and protecting citizens from increasing cases of land fraud, forged land titles, illegal evictions and multiple sales of the same piece of land.

    “Land remains one of Uganda’s most valuable assets, yet thousands of Ugandans continue to lose property through fraud, forged land titles and illegal transactions. The Land Management Centre will help restore confidence in land ownership and promote justice,” Kirabira said.

    He noted that residents in rapidly developing areas, including Busabala and other parts of Greater Kampala, have repeatedly raised concerns over land grabbing and fraudulent transactions, making the establishment of the centre both necessary and timely.

    Kirabira commended Gen. Saleh for prioritising issues affecting ordinary Ugandans, saying the initiative demonstrates leadership that responds to citizens’ concerns with practical solutions.

    He added that, besides promoting wealth creation programmes, Operation Wealth Creation continues to support communities by addressing land conflicts, youth unemployment and poverty alleviation.

    The Land Management Centre was officially commissioned by the State Minister for Local Government, Balaam Barugahara, who praised Gen. Saleh for championing reforms intended to protect landowners and investors.

    Barugahara said land disputes have become one of Uganda’s biggest challenges, often resulting in prolonged court battles, violence and loss of livelihoods.

    “The establishment of this centre is intended to curb land grabbing and ensure that Ugandans access reliable guidance on land ownership, documentation and dispute resolution,” he said.

    He urged the public, including National Resistance Movement (NRM) cadres in Luweero District led by Hajji Abdul Nadduli, to seek professional guidance before purchasing land. He also encouraged stakeholders to support government efforts aimed at improving land governance.

    Barugahara further tasked digital content creators and members of the Federation of Uganda Social Media Influencers with spearheading public awareness campaigns on responsible land ownership, proper documentation and lawful land transactions through TikTok, YouTube and print media platforms.

    Speaking at the event, lawyer Sylvia Muwebwa welcomed the initiative, saying it would help reduce conflicts arising from unclear land ownership while strengthening public confidence in Uganda’s land administration system.

    According to Muwebwa, the Land Management Centre will focus on strengthening sustainable land management, improving land administration systems, promoting integrated land-use planning, supporting orderly urban development, improving housing delivery, and reinforcing the policy, legal and institutional frameworks governing land administration.

    She noted that the initiative complements ongoing government reforms under the Land Sub-Programme.

    In recent years, government has enacted the Valuation Act, implemented National Valuation Standards, strengthened the Uganda National Land Information System with additional security features, issued more than 193,000 land titles, mediated hundreds of land disputes, cancelled illegally issued land titles in wetlands and forest reserves, and carried out systematic land adjudication in several districts.

    The Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development has also strengthened land surveys, introduced digital land management systems and begun preparations for blockchain and artificial intelligence-based enhancements to the national land registry to improve transparency and reduce fraud.

    Government has further advanced physical planning reforms through the drafting of the Physical Planning Bill, 2026, operationalisation of the Physical Planners Registration Board and continued implementation of the National Physical Development Plan to guide orderly urbanisation.

    The launch comes as government continues implementing President Yoweri Museveni’s directives on land compensation, particularly for communities affected by oil palm projects.

    In 2025, President Museveni directed the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, and oil palm investors to verify all affected landowners and bibanja holders whose land had been gazetted for oil palm cultivation, especially in Buvuma District, before compensation is effected.

    The Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development was tasked with providing compensation funds to prevent conflicts that could disrupt the project.

    Earlier, in a directive issued on April 14, 2024, President Museveni warned that delays in compensating landowners could jeopardise the oil palm programme after affected communities threatened to destroy plantations established on disputed land.

    Government plans to complete compensation in phases while continuing to support oil palm production, which has significantly contributed to household incomes, particularly in Kalangala District, where thousands of farmers participate in the oil palm value chain.

    The establishment of the Land Management Centre is expected to complement ongoing government reforms by promoting transparency, reducing land conflicts and safeguarding property rights, thereby contributing to sustainable economic development and social stability across Uganda.

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  • SOMALIA MISSION! UPDF Commander Issues Tough Orders As Washington Moves To Cut Lifeline For AU Mission

    SOMALIA MISSION! UPDF Commander Issues Tough Orders As Washington Moves To Cut Lifeline For AU Mission

    Uganda’s military commander in Somalia has ordered troops to tighten discipline and professionalism amid growing uncertainty over the future of the African Union peacekeeping mission after the United States signalled it will stop funding the UN logistical support system that keeps the force running.

    Brig. Gen. Jackson Kayanja, who commands Uganda’s contingent serving under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), told soldiers that discipline is not simply about obeying orders but is the foundation of survival, operational success and career progression.

    Addressing UPDF troops at the Sector One Headquarters in Mogadishu on Saturday, Brig. Gen. Kayanja urged the soldiers to remain focused despite the difficult security environment.

    “Discipline is the key to our lives, our success and our career progression. You, the young people, still have a bright future ahead of you. Therefore, desist from habits that undermine your values,” he said.

    The commander reminded the troops that every soldier deployed in Somalia represents Uganda and that their conduct directly shapes the country’s international image.

    He stressed that maintaining discipline, respecting the chain of command and observing the rules of engagement remain critical to the mission’s success.

    According to Kayanja, professionalism strengthens cooperation with the Somali National Army (SNA) and earns the confidence of local communities.

    “Maintaining order, respecting the chain of command and adhering to the rules of engagement builds trust with the Somali National Army and local civilians. That trust is essential for intelligence sharing, joint operations and community support,” he added.

    Deputy Contingent Commander Col. Jude Rukubya echoed the message, urging Ugandan troops to deepen cooperation with Somali forces while respecting Somali customs and traditions.

    He said close coordination between the UPDF, Somali security forces and other AUSSOM contingents remains essential as Somalia gradually assumes responsibility for its own national security.

    The commanders’ remarks come as AUSSOM continues supporting Somali security forces in military operations against the al-Qaeda-linked militant group Al-Shabaab, while also helping stabilize the Horn of Africa nation after decades of conflict.

    LESSONS FROM BULO MARER

    The renewed emphasis on discipline follows painful lessons learned from the devastating May 2023 attack on the UPDF Forward Operating Base at Bulo Marer, where 54 Ugandan soldiers lost their lives.

    Following the attack, President Yoweri Museveni blamed the heavy casualties on operational weaknesses and inadequate preparedness.

    The tragedy prompted sweeping reforms within the UPDF, including tougher pre-deployment training, enhanced operational planning and increased supervision of troops already serving in Somalia.

    Senior UPDF commanders now regularly visit deployed soldiers to reinforce discipline, operational readiness, compliance with rules of engagement and respectful relations with local communities.

    Uganda became the first country to deploy troops to Somalia in 2007 under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

    Since then, Ugandan forces have played a leading role in helping the Somali National Army reclaim territory from Al-Shabaab, protect key government installations and restore stability.

    In 2024, AMISOM officially transitioned into the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), whose mandate focuses on strengthening Somali security institutions, protecting civilians and preparing Somali forces to eventually take full responsibility for the country’s security.

    US THREATENS TO PULL THE PLUG

    As Ugandan commanders rally their troops, a far bigger challenge is now looming over the entire mission.

    The United States has informed the African Union that it will no longer support the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) beyond the end of this year—a decision that could cripple AUSSOM’s operations.

    The nearly 12,000-strong African Union force depends heavily on UNSOS for critical logistical support, including food supplies, drinking water, fuel, medical services, engineering support and transportation of troops and equipment.

    Without that backing, military officials fear the mission could struggle to survive.

    Under President Donald Trump, Washington has grown increasingly frustrated with Somalia’s government, accusing it of failing to defeat Al-Shabaab despite years of international assistance.

    In a diplomatic note dated July 1, reviewed by Reuters, the United States informed the African Union that while it would not oppose renewal of AUSSOM’s mandate by the UN Security Council, it would oppose any extension that included continued UN logistical or operational support through UNSOS.

    The UN support office operates on an annual budget of approximately US$500 million, making it one of the mission’s most critical lifelines.

    Last year, AUSSOM itself operated on a budget of about US$190 million, but funding shortages have continued to plague the mission.

    Washington had already blocked proposals to allow the United Nations to finance three-quarters of AUSSOM’s costs.

    ‘HUGE IMPLICATIONS’

    The African Union Commission has already warned member states that the American decision could have serious consequences.

    In a letter circulated to members of the AU Peace and Security Council, the Commission warned that the decision carries:

    “Significant implications for the logistical sustainment, operational posture and financing of the Mission.”

    A spokesperson for the US State Department confirmed Washington’s position.

    “The United States has provided nearly US$2 billion in assessed contributions to UNSOS and its predecessor,” the spokesperson said.

    “Despite this investment, Somalia has been unable to independently sustain progress that AUSSOM and its predecessor missions have made to degrade and contain Al-Shabaab or take ownership of most of its own security functions.

    “We should not continue to fund a mission that has not met core objectives and diverts resources away from security priorities with more immediate and direct implications for US interests.”

    The Somalia Ministry of Defence, the US Department of Defense, the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia and the African Union Commission had not issued official responses by press time.

    MISSION FACES UNCERTAIN FUTURE

    Security analysts warn the funding decision could fundamentally alter the future of peacekeeping in Somalia.

    Ahmed Koshin, a former Director General in Somalia’s Defence Ministry and now a Member of Parliament, described the American decision as a major setback.

    “This will have huge ramifications for Somalia. The peacekeeping mission is in danger because ultimately you need to be able to support and sustain these forces,” he told Reuters.

    Two diplomats familiar with the mission also warned that AUSSOM would struggle to continue operating unless another organisation steps in to replace the UN support system.

    UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric confirmed the world body is aware of Washington’s decision.

    “At this stage, we are discussing this internally and engaging with the African Union, Federal Government of Somalia and other partners,” Dujarric said.

    In its diplomatic communication, Washington also delivered a blunt assessment of Somalia’s internal politics.

    According to the United States, persistent political rivalries and infighting within Somalia continue to undermine efforts to defeat both Al-Shabaab and ISIS.

    “Internal rivalries and political infighting continue to undermine the fight against Al-Shabaab and ISIS, and the benefits of international support will remain limited until Somalia’s leaders unite to address the country’s security and governance challenges,” the US note stated.

    With thousands of Ugandan troops still deployed on the frontlines, the future of Africa’s longest-running peacekeeping mission may now depend not only on the battlefield—but also on decisions being made in Washington, New York and Addis Ababa.


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