Introduction

Uganda has started pulling its soldiers out of Somalia after nearly 20 years of military involvement, signalling the end of a long-running peacekeeping mission and opening the door for Somali forces to take the lead in their own security.

What Happened

The withdrawal began after Uganda's army chief, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, ordered the first contingent of 109 Uganda People's Defence Forces troops to leave Mogadishu on Friday. Acting army spokesperson Chris Magezi confirmed the group had already returned home, with others to follow in the coming days. A phased plan aims for all forces, including those under the African Union mission, to exit by the end of 2027. Earlier in the week, President Yoweri Museveni met Somali President Sheikh Mohamud in Kampala, where Museveni urged Somali leaders and citizens to unite against the al-Shabab insurgency. Currently, roughly 4,500 troops operate under the African Union mission, while about 2,000 more are deployed through bilateral arrangements.

Why This Matters

The withdrawal signals the end of Uganda's two-decade-long peacekeeping role in Somalia, paving the way for the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission, or Aussom, to take over security responsibilities. With AU, US, and UN funding winding down, Somalia faces pressure to sustain its own security forces. The shift also carries regional weight, as the fight against an al-Qaeda-linked group has shaped Horn of Africa politics for years. How Somali forces fill the gap will likely influence stability across the broader region.

Key Takeaways

  • Uganda has initiated a phased withdrawal of its troops from Somalia, with all forces expected to leave by the end of 2027.
  • The drawdown replaces the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (Atimis) with the new Aussom, focused on building Somali security capacity.
  • Funding for the mission faces uncertainty as US and UN support is being scaled back, prompting a 12-month transition plan.
  • Approximately 4,500 troops remain under the AU mission, alongside 2,000 deployed bilaterally, as Somali forces prepare to assume full security responsibility.
  • Despite the drawdown, al-Shabab continues to pose a significant insurgency threat, and Uganda's Museveni has urged national unity to counter the group.

Conclusion

Uganda's troop withdrawal marks the close of a significant chapter in Somalia's recent history, but the real test lies ahead for Somali security forces stepping into the lead. As the phased drawdown unfolds through 2027, the international community's support, Somali institutional capacity, and the group's ability to counter al-Shabab will determine whether the transition brings lasting stability or new challenges to the region.