KAMPALA, UGANDA — October 1, 2026 — Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba is set to host the inaugural Conference of Chiefs of Defence Forces on Military Operations Other Than War (MOOTW) from October 5 to 8 at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala.
The conference is expected to bring together defence chiefs from 14 African countries, alongside peace support mission commanders, the African Union, regional standby forces and regional economic communities.
Key discussions will focus on emerging security and humanitarian challenges, including transnational threats, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, drones, peace support operations, climate and disaster response, maritime and border security, critical infrastructure, pandemics and natural resources.
The conference will also address civil-military cooperation and accountability in military operations conducted outside conventional warfare.
Uganda is expected to use the meeting to advance an AU-led regional framework for MOOTW, focusing on common principles, joint training, intelligence sharing, cybersecurity and drone governance, disaster response and accountability.
The proposed framework will emphasise a preventive and cooperative approach, with a focus on human security and coordinated responses to emerging regional challenges.
The four-day conference is expected to provide a platform for African defence leaders and regional security stakeholders to discuss ways of strengthening cooperation in responding to threats that extend beyond traditional military operations.
