Uganda announced the start of a phased pull‑out of its forces from Somalia after nearly twenty years of deployment. The first contingent of 109 Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) troops left the capital, Mogadishu, on Friday following a statement by army chief Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
Background of the Ugandan deployment
Uganda was the first African nation to send troops under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), which was launched in 2007 to protect Somalia’s transitional government from Islamist militants. Ugandan forces played a key role in driving al‑Shabaab out of Mogadishu and other major towns, fighting alongside the Somali National Army to recapture strategic territory.
Over the years, the mission evolved: AMISOM gave way to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), and in 2025 it was replaced by the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). AUSSOM focuses on strengthening Somali security institutions and preparing local forces to assume full responsibility for the country’s security.
Details of the withdrawal
The withdrawal is being carried out in phases. Uganda’s acting army spokesperson, Chris Magezi, did not comment on the move. Gen Muhoozi wrote on X, "As we promised, we have started withdrawing UPDF from Somalia. After 20 years of a lot of blood and sacrifice, we are handing over security to our Somali brothers."
- First contingent: 109 troops departed Mogadishu.
- Planned completion: August 2027.
- Remaining forces: Approximately 4,500 troops continue under the AU mission, while about 2,000 troops stay in Somalia under separate bilateral security arrangements.
Although the AU‑mandated troops will be phased out, Uganda will retain a contingent under a bilateral agreement, ensuring a continued security presence.
Future of the AU mission and funding challenges
AUSSOM faces uncertainty over its future funding as U.S. and UN support winds down. A 12‑month transition plan is set to begin in January, giving Somalia and the African Union time to secure alternative financing sources.
Somalia continues to grapple with a protracted insurgency led by al‑Shabaab, an al‑Qaeda‑linked group that has been active for more than two decades. The gradual hand‑over of security responsibilities marks a significant shift in regional security dynamics.
Implications
The pull‑out reflects Uganda’s strategic decision to re‑evaluate its long‑term military commitments while still supporting Somalia through bilateral channels. It also underscores the broader challenges facing AU peace‑keeping operations in sustaining long‑duration missions amid shifting international support.
