Uganda to Host Inaugural Conference on Non-Conventional Military Operations

Military leaders and security officials from across Africa are set to gather in Uganda next week for the inaugural Conference on Military Operations Other Than War. The event, scheduled to take place at the Speke Resort Munyonyo from October 5 to October 8, 2026, focuses on adapting defense strategies to meet complex, non-traditional security challenges. The conference is being organized by the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs and the Uganda People's Defence Forces. General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who serves as the Chief of Defence Forces and Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations in Uganda, is expected to host the summit. Participants include Chiefs of Defence Forces from 14 African countries, including Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, and South Africa. Representatives from regional bodies such as the African Union, the East African Standby Force, and the Economic Community of West African States are also slated to attend. Commanders from major peace support missions currently operating on the continent will also be present. This includes leaders from the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia and the United Nations mission in South Sudan. Organizers designed the four-day meeting to address threats that often fall outside the scope of conventional military engagement. The agenda covers a broad range of topics, including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and the growing use of unmanned aerial systems. Discussions will also examine modern peace support operations and the importance of gender mainstreaming in security structures. By facilitating this dialogue, the organizers hope to foster new, collaborative approaches to managing conflict across the continent. The conference serves as a platform for military commanders to share experiences and refine tactical capabilities at a practical level. This exchange is intended to help regional forces better coordinate during crisis management scenarios. Officials are expected to emphasize the importance of regional security bodies in maintaining stability. The event highlights a shift toward integrated responses that involve both military forces and civilian institutions. Participants will also analyze lessons learned from current peacekeeping efforts to improve operational efficiency. The summit provides space for official delegates to discuss the specific needs of armed forces on the ground while addressing hybrid threats. The inclusion of various regional political and economic communities underscores a commitment to a unified approach. These organizations represent a diverse range of perspectives on how to best manage transnational security risks. This inaugural gathering reflects an ongoing effort to strengthen the African Peace and Security Architecture. By aligning the strategies of different nations, the conference aims to enhance collective readiness against evolving threats. The event concludes on October 8, with outcomes likely to influence future doctrine for peace support missions and regional security cooperation. This meeting underscores the role of collaborative engagement in sustaining stability across diverse operational theaters.