Uganda has started withdrawing its troops from Somalia, marking the end of nearly two decades of military presence in the country. The first batch of 109 soldiers departed from Mogadishu, the Somali capital, on November 2, 2026. This move is part of a plan to hand over security responsibilities to Somali forces. The withdrawal was announced by Ugandan Chief of Defense Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who stated that the process had begun as promised.
The withdrawal of Ugandan troops from Somalia is expected to be completed in phases by the end of 2027. According to Colonel Chris Magezi, the acting spokesperson for the Ugandan military, the troops are being withdrawn from the African Union Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). However, security cooperation between Uganda and Somalia will continue under a bilateral agreement. The exact number of troops being withdrawn and the timeline for their redeployment have not been disclosed.
Uganda deployed its troops to Somalia in 2007 as part of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), which aimed to protect the transitional government from armed groups. The Ugandan military played a significant role in fighting Al-Shabaab and helping Somali forces regain control of key areas, including the capital Mogadishu. The mission was mandated to support the stabilization of Somalia and promote peace and security in the region.
Currently, there are approximately 4,500 Ugandan troops deployed in Somalia under the African Union Support Mission, while another 2,000 are stationed in the country under a bilateral agreement. The withdrawal of Ugandan troops comes after Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud announced in June 2026 that his country had reached a level of security self-sufficiency. He requested that African Union troops begin withdrawing from the country to pave the way for a more sustainable security arrangement.
The decision to withdraw Ugandan troops from Somalia was made in consultation with the Somali government and the African Union. According to General Kainerugaba, the withdrawal is a significant milestone in the transition of security responsibilities to Somali forces. The Ugandan military has expressed its commitment to supporting the Somali people in their efforts to build a stable and secure future.
The withdrawal of Ugandan troops from Somalia has significant implications for regional security. The African Union has been working to support Somalia in its efforts to stabilize and rebuild. The transition of security responsibilities to Somali forces is seen as a critical step towards achieving long-term peace and stability in the country. The Somali government has expressed its appreciation for the role played by Ugandan troops in supporting its security efforts.
The redeployment of Ugandan troops is expected to have a minimal impact on the security situation in Somalia, as Somali forces have been trained and equipped to take over security responsibilities. The African Union and the international community have pledged to continue supporting Somalia in its efforts to build a stable and secure future. Key points:
Key points
- Uganda has started withdrawing its troops from Somalia after nearly 20 years of fighting Al-Shabaab and helping to restore security.
- The withdrawal is expected to be completed in phases by the end of 2027.
- The transition of security responsibilities to Somali forces marks a significant milestone in Somalia's efforts to achieve long-term peace and stability.
