Uganda Begins Somalia Troop Withdrawal, Raising Security Concerns

Uganda Begins Somalia Troop Withdrawal, Raising Security Concerns

Uganda has commenced withdrawing its troops from Somalia, beginning a phased military exit that will end nearly two decades of deployment in the country.

The withdrawal marks a major shift in Uganda’s security role in Somalia, where its forces have supported government operations against the militant group Al-Shabaab.

Uganda currently has approximately 4,500 soldiers deployed under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), according to state media.

However, the number of additional troops operating under a separate bilateral security agreement remains unclear.

Uganda People’s Defence Forces spokesperson, Chris Magezi, confirmed that soldiers serving under the bilateral arrangement were the first to leave.

He said the initial group had already returned home, adding that the withdrawal took immediate effect.

Magezi explained that Uganda would gradually withdraw all its remaining forces, including those serving under AUSSOM, by the end of 2027.

The planned departure has raised concerns about possible security gaps, particularly in regions facing persistent attacks from Al-Shabaab.

In an October 31 letter to the United Nations Support Office in Somalia, AUSSOM warned that the withdrawal could expose parts of the Lower Shabelle region to militant attacks.

Somalia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ali Omar, also acknowledged the potential security implications.

“Things are not dire now, but it could create problems if their troops suddenly pull out,” Omar told Reuters.

Al-Shabaab has waged an insurgency against Somalia’s government for nearly two decades, seeking to overthrow the administration and impose its strict interpretation of Islamic law.

Despite ongoing military operations, the group continues to launch bombings and armed attacks against military personnel and civilians.

Uganda’s planned exit could therefore create fresh security challenges for Somalia as it works to strengthen its military capacity and contain the insurgency.