Uganda first deployed its troops to Somalia in 2007
Uganda has commenced the gradual withdrawal of its military personnel from Somalia, bringing an end to almost two decades of involvement in the country’s security operations.
Acting Army Spokesperson, Chris Magezi, announced on Monday that the first batch of soldiers deployed under a bilateral security agreement had returned home, with additional personnel expected to leave in the coming days.
He explained that the entire Ugandan military contingent, including personnel serving under the African Union (AU) mission, would be withdrawn by December 2027.
The initial group of 109 Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) personnel reportedly departed Mogadishu on Friday, following an earlier announcement by Army Chief General Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
Last week, Gen. Kainerugaba disclosed that Kampala had initiated the pullout, stressing that responsibility for maintaining security would gradually be transferred to Somali authorities.
He stated on X that Uganda was ending its mission after years of sacrifices and would entrust the country’s protection to its Somali counterparts.
Magezi described the development as the conclusion of Uganda’s military operations in Somalia, adding that the country was expected to take complete control of its internal security.
The announcement followed discussions between Somali President Sheikh Mohamud and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni during an official visit to Kampala last week.
Their engagements centred on Somalia’s security challenges, alongside opportunities to strengthen commercial cooperation and bilateral economic relations.
Reports indicated that President Mohamud had appealed for Uganda to maintain its military presence, although neither government disclosed whether an agreement was reached.
During the visit, Museveni encouraged Somali authorities and citizens to demonstrate solidarity in confronting the al-Shabab insurgency.
Approximately 4,500 personnel currently serve under the African Union mission, while another 2,000 operate through separate bilateral deployments.
Uganda became the first African nation to send soldiers to Somalia under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) in 2007, following the establishment of the operation to safeguard the country’s transitional administration against Islamist militant attacks.
Its forces subsequently played a significant role in removing al-Shabab fighters from Mogadishu and several strategic urban centres, working alongside the Somali National Army to regain control of important territories and protect government facilities.
Kampala maintained its involvement through successive AU-led security operations, including the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), which was designed to facilitate the gradual transfer of military responsibilities to local forces.
ATMIS was succeeded in 2025 by the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), whose mandate includes improving national security institutions and equipping Somali troops to independently defend the country.
However, the latest mission faces financial uncertainty as the United States and the United Nations prepare to scale back their assistance.
A 12-month transitional arrangement is expected to commence in January 2027, providing Somalia and the African Union with an opportunity to identify alternative funding sources to sustain ongoing security operations.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong