Uganda has started bringing its troops home from Somalia, beginning a phased military withdrawal that is expected to end by December 2027.
The first group of soldiers deployed under a bilateral security arrangement has already returned to Uganda, according to acting army spokesperson Chris Magezi. He said additional personnel would follow in the coming days.
Magezi explained that the withdrawal would cover all Ugandan forces serving in Somalia, including those operating under the African Union mission.
A first contingent of 109 Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) personnel reportedly departed Mogadishu on Friday, following an announcement by Uganda's army chief, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
In a post on X last week, Gen Muhoozi confirmed the beginning of the withdrawal and said Uganda was preparing to transfer security responsibilities to Somali forces.
“After 20 years of a lot of blood and sacrifice, we are handing over security to our Somali brothers,” he wrote.
Uganda has played a major role in international efforts to stabilise Somalia since 2007, when it became the first African country to deploy troops under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).
The mission was established to support Somalia's transitional government and protect it against attacks by Islamist militant group al-Shabaab.
Uganda's withdrawal marks a significant change in its military engagement in the Horn of Africa. The government says the phased exit will allow Somalia to take full responsibility for its national security.
However, the planned transition comes as Somalia continues to face security challenges from militant groups, making the effectiveness of its own forces central to the country's future stability.
