Uganda has initiated a withdrawal of its military forces from Somalia, marking the conclusion of nearly two decades of involvement in the Horn of Africa nation. The first contingent of troops deployed through bilateral arrangements returned home this week, with additional forces scheduled to depart in the coming days, according to statements from Uganda’s acting army spokesperson.
The complete withdrawal of all Ugandan forces, including those operating under the African Union mission framework, is targeted for completion by the end of 2027. Uganda was the first African nation to deploy troops to Somalia when the African Union Mission in Somalia was established in 2007, initially tasked with protecting Somalia’s transitional government from attacks by al-Shabab and other militant groups.
The decision to withdraw follows discussions between Somalia’s President Sheikh Mohamud and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni during a visit to the Ugandan capital last week. During that meeting, Mohamud reportedly sought to convince Uganda to maintain its military presence, though Uganda proceeded with its departure plans. Museveni emphasized the importance of Somali unity in efforts to counter al-Shabab, which maintains ties to al-Qaeda.
Currently, approximately 4,500 troops operate in Somalia under the African Union mission structure, with roughly 2,000 additional personnel deployed through bilateral agreements. Uganda’s military presence has been instrumental in pushing al-Shabab out of major population centers and supporting Somali forces in recapturing strategic locations and government facilities over the two-decade period.
The transition presents logistical and security challenges, as Somalia prepares to assume full responsibility for its security under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission framework that began in 2025. A planned 12-month transition beginning in January will provide time for Somalia and the African Union to identify alternative funding sources, as US and UN support faces planned reductions.
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