The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has commenced the withdrawal of its troops from Somalia, marking the beginning of the end of Uganda’s 20-year military involvement in peace and stabilisation operations in the Horn of Africa country.
In a statement, UPDF Acting Director of Defence Public Information Colonel Chris Magezi confirmed that the drawdown of troops deployed under bilateral arrangements with the Federal Government of Somalia had taken effect immediately.
Magezi disclosed that the first group of Ugandan soldiers had already returned home as part of the phased withdrawal operation, which is expected to be completed within the next few days.
“The first cohort of troops under the phased withdrawal operation have already arrived back in Uganda,” Magezi said.
He further announced that Uganda would gradually withdraw all its remaining forces in Somalia, including those serving under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), by the end of 2027.
The planned withdrawal will bring to an end Uganda’s two-decade military presence in Somalia, where its forces have played a significant role in supporting peace and security efforts against militant groups.
According to Magezi, the move is intended to pave the way for the Somali Armed Forces to assume full responsibility for the country’s security.
The withdrawal is expected to be conducted in phases, with all Ugandan troops under the different deployment arrangements set to leave Somalia by December 2027.
Uganda has been among the key troop-contributing countries in international efforts to stabilise Somalia following years of insecurity and conflict.
