The short version
- Uganda has begun withdrawing its troops from Somalia in phases, with the first group of 109 soldiers leaving Mogadishu on Friday.
- While African Union mission forces will exit by August 2027, approximately 2,000 Ugandan soldiers under a bilateral agreement will stay.
- The transition occurs as the new AU mission faces potential funding gaps following planned reductions in US and UN support.
Uganda has commenced the withdrawal of its military forces from Somalia, marking a significant shift after nearly twenty years of involvement in the conflict-ridden nation. The initial phase saw a contingent of 109 soldiers from the Uganda People's Defence Forces depart the capital city of Mogadishu on Friday. This movement follows a public announcement by General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the head of Uganda’s army, who stated that the country is fulfilling its promise to transfer security responsibilities to Somali counterparts after years of sacrifice and bloodshed.
The withdrawal process is structured to occur in stages rather than as an immediate exodus. Officials indicate that the complete removal of troops participating in the African Union mission is scheduled for completion by August 2027. This timeline allows for a gradual handover of duties, aiming to ensure stability during the transition period. The decision reflects a broader strategic adjustment by Kampala regarding its long-standing military engagement in the Horn of Africa.
It is important to note that Uganda is not entirely ending its military footprint in Somalia. While forces operating under the African Union banner are leaving, an estimated 2,000 Ugandan troops deployed through a separate bilateral security arrangement will remain in the country. This distinction highlights a nuanced approach where Kampala continues to maintain a direct security partnership with Mogadishu even as it steps back from the multilateral framework that has dominated the region’s peacekeeping efforts for years.
Uganda holds a unique historical position in Somalia’s recent military history, having been the first African nation to send troops to support the transitional government against Islamist militants in 2007. These early deployments were part of the African Union Mission in Somalia, which played a crucial role in dislodging al-Shabab from Mogadishu and other major urban centers. Over the subsequent years, Ugandan forces worked alongside the Somali National Army to recapture strategic territory and secure key government installations, contributing significantly to the reduction of militant control in populated areas.
The security landscape in Somalia remains volatile, with al-Shabab, an al-Qaeda-linked insurgent group, continuing to pose a deadly threat more than two decades after the collapse of the central government. The ongoing insurgency has necessitated sustained international and regional military support. As Ugandan forces under the AU mandate prepare to leave, the question of who will fill the void becomes increasingly pressing. The Somali National Army is expected to assume greater responsibility for national security, but its capacity to operate independently without robust external support remains a subject of concern among observers.
The broader African Union mission in Somalia is also undergoing significant changes that complicate the transition. The previous mission, Atmis, was replaced in 2025 by the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia, known as Aussom. This new entity focuses on strengthening Somali security institutions and preparing local forces to take full charge of the country’s defense. However, Aussom faces immediate challenges regarding its financial sustainability, particularly as plans are underway to wind down support from the United States and the United Nations.
A twelve-month transition plan is set to begin in January, providing a window for Somalia and the African Union to identify alternative funding sources. The uncertainty surrounding future financing raises questions about the long-term viability of the mission and its ability to effectively support Somali forces during this critical period. Without stable resources, the goal of building self-sufficient security institutions may be hindered, potentially leaving gaps that insurgent groups could exploit.
Despite the clear direction of troop withdrawals, some details remain unclear. Uganda’s acting army spokesperson, Chris Magezi, did not respond to requests for comment regarding the specific logistics or immediate implications of the first contingent’s departure. The lack of detailed public commentary from military officials leaves room for speculation about the pace and conditions of the remaining withdrawals. As the process unfolds, the international community will be watching closely to see how this shift impacts the balance of power in Somalia and the overall trajectory of the peacekeeping effort.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC News↗Uganda begins withdrawing troops from Somalia
