The first group of Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) troops has returned to Uganda, marking the beginning of a phased withdrawal from Somalia. According to Col Chris Magezi, acting director of Defence Public Information, the drawdown took immediate effect. This move signifies the end of Uganda’s nearly 20-year involvement in peace enforcement and stabilisation operations in Somalia. The withdrawal process will extend beyond the bilateral deployment and is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.
Uganda initially deployed troops to Somalia in March 2007 under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). The mission has undergone several reconfigurations, becoming the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and eventually being replaced by the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). Throughout these missions, thousands of UPDF soldiers have fought against the Al-Shabaab militant group and supported efforts to rebuild Somali state institutions. At its peak, Uganda had over 6,000 troops stationed in Somalia.
The UPDF troops were primarily stationed in Sector One, covering Mogadishu and parts of the Lower and Middle Shabelle regions. Although Col Magezi did not disclose the number of soldiers being withdrawn under the bilateral arrangement, reports indicate that 109 UPDF soldiers left Mogadishu on Friday. The Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, had previously announced the withdrawal. Further details on the withdrawal will be communicated in due course.
The African Union mission in Somalia faces significant challenges, including funding and logistical issues. Troop-contributing countries have raised concerns over delayed reimbursements and inadequate support from international partners. The broader transition aims to enable Somali security forces to assume responsibility for national security. The African Union’s current plan targets December 2027 for the completion of this process.
The withdrawal of UPDF troops comes amid reports of disagreements between Uganda and Turkey over their respective roles and engagements in Somalia. However, the UPDF has not publicly cited these concerns as a reason for the withdrawal. The phased exit is intended to pave the way for the Somali Armed Forces to assume full responsibility for the country’s security.
The UPDF has played a significant role in Somalia, fighting the Al-Shabaab militant group and supporting efforts to rebuild state institutions. The withdrawal marks a significant milestone in Uganda’s involvement in Somalia and demonstrates the country’s commitment to transitioning security responsibilities to Somali forces. The UPDF’s withdrawal will be completed by the end of 2027.
The Somali Armed Forces are expected to assume full responsibility for the country’s security by December 2027. The African Union mission will continue to provide support during the transition period. The withdrawal of UPDF troops is a significant step towards achieving this goal and ensuring the long-term stability of Somalia.
Key points
- The withdrawal of UPDF troops from Somalia marks the end of nearly two decades of peace enforcement and stabilisation operations.
- The phased exit is expected to be completed by the end of 2027, with the Somali Armed Forces assuming full responsibility for national security.
- The African Union mission in Somalia faces significant challenges, including funding and logistical issues, which have raised concerns among troop-contributing countries.
