The European Union has finally released Shs 670bn for the UPDF-led AMISOM operations in Somalia, Chimp Corps report.
This was revealed in a statement by African Union on Sunday evening.
The Commissioner for Peace and Security, Ambassador Smail Chergui represented the African Union in signing the 15th contract for financial support to the AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) on September 21.
“The latest contract covers the period from 1st January to 30th September 2016 and provides funds amounting to 178 million Euro (one hundred seventy eighth million Euro),” reads part of the statement.
“The EU fund will be used to cover allowances for AMISOM troops and police, international and local civilian staff salaries, as well as operational costs of the Mission.”
The development is a big relief to the UPDF which had vowed to end the operation due to delayed funds.
Chief of Defence Forces Gen Katumba Wamala recently said the mission is Somalia was no longer sustainable.
It will be recalled that the UPDF High Command early this year resolved to pull troops from Somalia and Central African Republic due to what many officers saw as betrayal by the international community.
The EU’s decision to fulfill its earlier commitment could breathe new life into AMISOM operations.
The African Union welcomed what it described as an “encouraging development” which it said was “the result of the continuous and fruitful consultations between AU and EU on the enhancement of the logistical and financial support to AMISOM.”
AU said this renewed financial support to AMISOM “comes at a critical moment when AMISOM is engaged in major offensive operations and the preparation of the elections in Somalia.”
During last year’s meeting with the head of the Peace Support Operations Department of the African Union Commission, Mr. Bam Sivuyile, Uganda’s top military brass requested for more logistical support.
On compensations, the Ugandan team suggested to the AU official that there is need to increase the death compensations from the current US $ 50,000 because the troops who unfortunately pass on from Somalia usually leave young families that require extra support.
Ugandan army officers further noted delayed reimbursement for country owned equipments and compensations, including military assets in the event of loss, which impacts on force’s capabilities.