The first contingent of Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers withdrawn from Somalia has returned home, signalling the start of a gradual military exit from a country where Ugandan troops have maintained a presence for almost 20 years.
In a statement released on Monday, Col Chris Magezi, the Acting Director of Defence Public Information, confirmed that the withdrawal process had taken immediate effect.
The exercise will cover not only Uganda’s bilateral deployment but also its remaining troops serving under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). The UPDF plans to complete the withdrawal of all its forces from Somalia by the end of 2027.
Magezi said the move would bring to a close Uganda’s nearly two decades of peace enforcement and stabilisation operations in Somalia, allowing the Somali Armed Forces to take full charge of the country’s security.
Click here to join our WhatsApp Group and Receive Daily News
Uganda became the first country to deploy troops to Somalia in March 2007 under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). The operation was subsequently transformed into the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) before the establishment of AUSSOM.
Over the years, thousands of Ugandan soldiers have participated in the successive missions, helping combat the Al-Shabaab militant group and supporting efforts to rebuild Somalia’s state institutions.
At the height of the deployment, Uganda had more than 6,000 troops stationed in the country. Most operated in Sector One, covering Mogadishu and parts of the Lower and Middle Shabelle regions.
Magezi did not reveal how many soldiers were being withdrawn under the bilateral arrangement, saying more information would be provided later.
However, reports indicate that the first batch of 109 UPDF personnel departed Mogadishu on Friday, following an announcement by Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
The drawdown is taking place amid financial and logistical difficulties facing the African Union mission. Countries contributing troops have raised concerns over delayed reimbursements and inadequate support from international partners.
The wider transition is designed to gradually transfer responsibility for Somalia’s national security to its own forces, with the African Union targeting December 2027 to complete the process.
Meanwhile, reports have emerged of disagreements between Uganda and Turkey over their respective activities and roles in Somalia, reportedly causing tensions surrounding the bilateral deployment.
The UPDF, however, has not publicly cited the reported differences with Turkey as a factor behind its decision to withdraw the troops.
Also Read: NRM’s James Leku wins Adjumani West by-election