Uganda has begun withdrawing its troops from Somalia after nearly two decades of military operations against Islamist militants, a local news agency announced on Monday, citing the country’s armed forces.
The pullout initially covers troops deployed under bilateral agreements with Somalia’s federal government, according to Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) spokesman Colonel Chris Magezi. The operation took effect immediately, he said in a statement on November 2.
“The first cohort of troops under the phased withdrawal operation have already arrived back in Uganda,” Magezi said, adding that the withdrawal of soldiers serving under bilateral arrangements would be completed within days.
The decision comes amid cuts to international and US funding for logistical missions and the gradual transfer of security responsibilities to Somalia’s army. The Ugandan military did not disclose how many personnel had returned.
Uganda will also gradually withdraw its forces serving under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), with all troops also expected to leave by the end of 2027, according to the UPDF statement.
Around 4,500 soldiers serve under the AUSSOM, while an additional 2,000 troops were deployed under a bilateral agreement with Mogadishu, AFP reported in August, citing a military source.
Uganda was the first country to send troops to Somalia under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) in March 2007. Its forces helped Somali authorities fight Al-Shabaab militants, who controlled parts of the capital, Mogadishu, at the time.
The mission later became the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) before being replaced by AUSSOM in January 2025. Other countries, including Kenya, Ethiopia, Burundi and Djibouti, have also contributed troops to African Union operations in Somalia.
Al-Shabaab, an Al-Qaeda-linked militant group, has fought Somalia’s government for nearly two decades. It continues to carry out bombings and armed attacks against military and civilian targets.
“Things are not dire now, but it could create problems if their troops suddenly pull out,” Somali State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ali Omar told Reuters.
The announcement also follows the closure of the UN Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia on October 31. The operation had supported political reconciliation and state-building efforts.