Uganda has begun withdrawing its troops from Somalia, with the first contingent already returning home as the country prepares to end its 20-year military presence in the Horn of Africa nation by December 2027.
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) confirmed on Monday, November 2, 2026, that the initial withdrawal involves soldiers deployed under bilateral security arrangements with the Federal Government of Somalia, with the operation expected to be completed within the next few days.
In a press statement issued in Kampala, UPDF Acting Director of Defence Public Information Colonel Chris Magezi said the first group of troops had already arrived back in Uganda, marking the beginning of the phased drawdown.
The military further announced that it would gradually withdraw all its remaining forces in Somalia, including personnel serving under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), by the close of 2027.
The announcement signals the beginning of the final phase of Uganda's military involvement in Somalia, where its forces have participated in peace support and stabilisation operations for nearly two decades.
Uganda first deployed troops to Somalia in March 2007 under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), becoming the first country to contribute soldiers to the operation. The mission was established to support the Somali government in restoring security and combating the Al-Shabaab militant group.
Over the years, Ugandan forces have participated in operations against Al-Shabaab, helped secure strategic installations and supported Somali security forces in efforts to regain control of territory held by the militants.
The African Union mission was subsequently replaced by the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) in 2022 before transitioning into AUSSOM in January 2025, as the international security framework evolved towards transferring greater responsibility to Somali forces.
Uganda has maintained troops through both African Union-led missions and separate bilateral security arrangements with the Somali government. The two deployments are now facing different withdrawal timelines, with the bilateral drawdown expected to conclude within days and the wider exit extending into 2027.
The withdrawal will place increased responsibility on the Somali Armed Forces to protect the country's territory, maintain security in recovered areas and sustain operations against Al-Shabaab, which continues to carry out attacks targeting security personnel, government installations and civilians.
The Somali government has been working towards assuming greater responsibility for national security as international forces gradually reduce their presence. However, the continued threat posed by Al-Shabaab remains a major challenge to the country's security transition.
Uganda's departure will therefore mark a significant shift in Somalia's security arrangements, bringing an end to one of the longest-running African military deployments in support of the country's stabilisation efforts.
