Uganda has initiated the withdrawal of its troops from Somalia, as announced by the country's army chief, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba. This move marks the beginning of a security handover to Somali forces after nearly 20 years of military deployments. Gen Kainerugaba stated that Ugandan troops had started leaving Somalia, fulfilling a promise to hand over security to their Somali counterparts.
The withdrawal of Ugandan troops is a significant development in Somalia's security landscape. Uganda is the largest troop contributor to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which supports Somali forces in operations against al-Shabab. The African Union has authorised 4,500 Ugandan troops for the mission, which replaced the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) at the beginning of 2025.
The African Union mission in Somalia is expected to reduce its presence in phases, with a final withdrawal envisaged by December 2029, subject to security conditions. The mission supports Somali forces in operations against al-Shabab, protects civilians and key infrastructure, and assists with the gradual transfer of security responsibilities to Somalia's security institutions. However, the mission faces continuing financial challenges, with the African Union Peace and Security Council warning that inadequate and unpredictable funding threatens its effectiveness.
Uganda first deployed troops to Somalia in March 2007 as the lead contingent of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). Since then, Ugandan forces have taken part in significant military operations against al-Shabab and have operated in Mogadishu and large parts of Lower Shabelle. The deployment has come at a significant human cost, with Ugandan troops suffering repeated casualties in attacks by al-Shabab.
The announcement of Uganda's troop withdrawal comes as AUSSOM faces pressure to ensure a smooth transition of security responsibilities to Somali forces. The African Union has stressed that decisions on the mission's future and the withdrawal of troops should be based on security conditions on the ground and coordinated with the Somali government to prevent gaps in security. Earlier this year, the African Union praised Kampala for deploying additional troops to Somalia on a bilateral basis as a temporary response to deteriorating security conditions.
Al-Shabab, an al-Qaeda-linked militant group, continues to operate and maintain control over parts of rural southern and central Somalia, despite nearly two decades of military operations by Somali forces and their international partners. The group remains a significant threat to stability in the region. Gen Kainerugaba's announcement represents a significant change in Uganda's long-standing military role in Somalia.
The implications of Uganda's troop withdrawal for Somalia's security are uncertain. It remains unclear whether the move signals a complete Ugandan withdrawal or the beginning of a phased reduction coordinated with AUSSOM and Somali authorities. The situation will likely be closely monitored by regional and international stakeholders, who are keen to ensure that the progress made in Somalia's security sector is not undermined.
Key points
- Uganda has begun withdrawing its troops from Somalia after nearly 20 years of military deployments.
- The African Union mission in Somalia is expected to reduce its presence in phases, with a final withdrawal envisaged by December 2029.
- The withdrawal of Ugandan troops marks a significant change in Uganda's long-standing military role in Somalia.
