The inaugural Conference on Military Operations Other Than War is taking place in Kampala, Uganda, from October 5 to 8, 2026. The event is organised by the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs and the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF). It brings together defence and security leaders from across Africa to discuss emerging security challenges. The conference aims to explore a wide range of issues shaping modern military operations.
The conference will focus on transnational threats, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, unmanned aerial systems, and peace support operations. Participants will also discuss gender mainstreaming, climate change, disaster management, natural resource management, and military support to civil authorities. Other areas on the agenda include maritime and border security, space and environmental security, protection of critical infrastructure, disease pandemics, external influence, and legal and ethical accountability.
Countries expected to participate in the conference include Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Africa, Ethiopia, Egypt, Ghana, Somalia, South Sudan, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mali, Djibouti, and Comoros, among others. Regional and continental organisations taking part include the African Union, East African Community, East African Standby Force, IGAD, North African Regional Capability, and ECOWAS.
The conference will also bring together commanders of several peace support missions. These include AUSSOM in Somalia, MONUSCO in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and UNISFA in Abyei. The participation of these commanders is expected to enhance discussions on peace support operations and foster collaboration among different missions.
The event is being held at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala. The choice of venue is significant, given the need for a secure and conducive environment for high-level discussions. The conference is expected to generate valuable insights and recommendations for addressing emerging security challenges in Africa.
The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs are working closely with regional and international partners to ensure the success of the conference. The event is seen as a significant step towards enhancing regional security cooperation and addressing the complex security challenges facing Africa.
The conference is expected to conclude on October 8, 2026, with a communique outlining key resolutions and recommendations. The outcome of the conference is expected to contribute to the development of effective strategies for addressing emerging security challenges in Africa.
Key points
- The conference will focus on a wide range of issues shaping modern military operations.
- Countries expected to participate include Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Africa, Ethiopia, Egypt, Ghana, Somalia, South Sudan, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mali, Djibouti, and Comoros.
- The event is organised by the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs and the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF).
