Uganda plans to withdraw all its troops from Somalia by end-2027
Uganda’s military announced a phased withdrawal from Somalia, with all forces due to leave by the end of 2027. The first troops deployed under a bilateral arrangement have returned home, according to its spokesperson. The timetable also covers personnel in the African Union mission, as Somalia prepares to assume responsibility for security and the mission faces funding uncertainty.
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All forces are scheduled to leave by end-2027
Uganda’s acting army spokesperson Chris Magezi announced on Monday that all Ugandan forces in Somalia were scheduled to withdraw in phases by the end of 2027. He said the first group serving under a bilateral arrangement had returned home and the remaining personnel in that category were expected within days. The timetable also covers troops in the African Union mission. Army chief General Muhoozi Kainerugaba had announced last week that withdrawal had begun and that responsibilities were being handed to Somali forces.[1], [2]
Somalia sought an extension of Uganda’s presence
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud visited Kampala, Uganda’s capital, last week for talks with President Yoweri Museveni. Their discussions covered security, trade and economic relations. Mohamud reportedly sought an extension of Uganda’s military presence. Museveni called on Somali leaders and citizens to unite against al-Shabab, the al-Qaeda-linked insurgent group. An estimated 4,500 Ugandan troops served under the African Union mission, with about 2,000 more under bilateral arrangements. They operated alongside the Somali National Army in Mogadishu and other major towns.[1]
The African Union mission faces a funding transition
Uganda first deployed under the African Union Mission in Somalia in 2007, becoming the first African country to send troops to protect the transitional government against militant attacks. Its forces then served in successive missions. The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia, known as ATMIS, was replaced in 2025 by the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia, or AUSSOM. The newer mission focuses on strengthening Somali security institutions. Plans to wind down US and United Nations support leave financing uncertain; a 12-month transition planned from January would allow Somalia and the African Union to seek alternative funding.[1]
