The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has commenced the withdrawal of its troops deployed in Somalia under bilateral security arrangements with the Federal Government of Somalia, marking the beginning of a phased exit from the East African country after nearly two decades of military involvement.
In a press statement issued on Monday, November 2, 2026, UPDF Acting Director of Defence Public Information, Colonel Chris Magezi, confirmed that the withdrawal had taken effect immediately, with the first group of Ugandan soldiers already arriving back home.
Magezi said the withdrawal of troops deployed under bilateral arrangements would be completed within the next few days.
The announcement signals a major shift in Uganda’s military engagement in Somalia, where Ugandan forces have played a central role in efforts to restore security and stabilise the country following years of conflict and instability.
However, the withdrawal will not happen all at once.
According to the UPDF, Uganda will gradually withdraw all its remaining forces in Somalia, including troops serving under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), by the end of 2027.
The planned exit will bring to an end Uganda’s 20-year peace and stabilisation operations in Somalia, allowing the Somali Armed Forces to assume full responsibility for the country’s security.
Uganda’s 20-year military mission in Somalia
Uganda has been among the leading African contributors to international security operations in Somalia, deploying troops to support efforts to weaken militant groups, restore government authority and strengthen the country’s security institutions.
The Ugandan military intervention began in March 2007 under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), making Uganda the first country to deploy troops under the mission.
Over the years, Ugandan soldiers have participated in several military operations aimed at supporting Somalia’s internationally recognised government and combating Al-Shabaab militants, who have waged a prolonged insurgency against the Somali state.
Uganda’s contribution has also included training and supporting Somali security forces as part of broader efforts to build the country’s capacity to independently manage its security.
The African Union subsequently transitioned AMISOM into the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) in April 2022. AUSSOM later replaced ATMIS in January 2025.
End of an era for UPDF in Somalia
The planned withdrawal by December 2027 represents a significant turning point for Uganda’s foreign military engagements and Somalia’s efforts to take complete control of its national security.
The UPDF says the gradual withdrawal is intended to allow Somali security forces to assume full responsibility for protecting the country.
While the immediate drawdown concerns troops deployed under bilateral arrangements, the broader withdrawal will eventually cover all Ugandan forces remaining in Somalia, including those serving under AUSSOM.
The development brings into focus the progress made by Somalia’s security institutions over the past two decades, as well as the challenges of sustaining security without the extensive involvement of foreign military forces.
Colonel Magezi signed the statement on behalf of the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs and the UPDF.
