Uganda has begun a phased withdrawal of its troops from Somalia after nearly two decades, aiming for a full exit by late 2027. Spokesperson Col. Chris Magezi confirmed the return of the first cohort deployed under bilateral agreements. While Somali authorities prepare to take full charge of national security following the closure of the UN political mission on October 31, 2026, diplomats and officials warn that the drawdown could leave regions like Lower Shabelle vulnerable to persistent al-Shabab attacks.
Uganda's troop withdrawal and deployment numbers
- ▪Uganda has begun withdrawing its Uganda People's Defence Forces troops from Somalia under a phased drawdown scheduled to complete all troop departures by the end of 2027
- ▪Uganda People's Defence Forces spokesperson Chris Magezi stated that the first cohort of troops had already returned home to Uganda
- ▪Ugandan army chief Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba announced that a first contingent of 109 Uganda People's Defence Forces troops departed Mogadishu, Somalia, on October 30, 2026
History of Uganda's military role
- ▪Uganda first deployed troops to Somalia in 2007 under the African Union Mission in Somalia to protect the country's transitional government and repel militant forces
- ▪Ugandan forces played a key role alongside the Somali National Army in driving al-Shabab militants out of public areas and major towns, including Mogadishu
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