Uganda has begun withdrawing its troops from Somalia, marking the start of a phased military drawdown that will bring an end to nearly 20 years of deployment in support of the Somali government’s fight against Al-Shabaab militants.

Ugandan troops were first deployed to Somalia in 2007 under an African Union mission, now known as the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) spokesperson Chris Magezi said the initial withdrawal involves troops deployed under a bilateral arrangement with Somalia’s Federal Government.

Magezi confirmed that the first group of soldiers had already returned home, with the withdrawal taking effect immediately.

Uganda plans to gradually withdraw all its forces, including those serving under AUSSOM, by the end of 2027.

According to Ugandan state media, approximately 4,500 Ugandan troops are currently deployed in Somalia. However, the number of additional personnel serving under the separate bilateral arrangement remains unclear.

Somalia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ali Omar, cautioned that a sudden withdrawal could create security challenges.

“Things are not dire now, but it could create problems if their troops suddenly pull out,” Omar told Reuters.

Al-Shabaab, an Al-Qaeda-linked militant group, has waged an insurgency against the Somali government for nearly two decades, frequently targeting security forces, government officials and civilians.

Uganda’s phased withdrawal comes as Somalia continues efforts to strengthen its own security forces and take greater responsibility for combating the militant group.

Photo: Uganda Media Centre (X)