Somalia: UPDF Commences Withdrawal of Bilaterally Deployed Troops in Somalia

What the report says

The Uganda People's Defence Forces has begun withdrawing troops deployed in Somalia under a bilateral arrangement with the Federal Government of Somalia, according to Shabelle Media Network as republished by AllAfrica. The drawdown is described as taking effect immediately, with the first group of soldiers already back in Uganda. The operation is expected to be completed within the next few days.

The report says Uganda plans to gradually pull out all of its forces in Somalia, including personnel serving under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), by the end of 2027. A statement attributed to Colonel Chris Magezi, acting director of defence public information at Uganda’s Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, framed the move as part of a phased withdrawal.

If completed as outlined, the step would close a long period of Ugandan military involvement in Somalia focused on peace and stabilization support. In broad terms, Uganda has been one of the key troop contributors to international efforts in Somalia for years, and any reduction in its presence could affect the transition of security responsibilities to Somali forces. The article says the intention is for the Somali Armed Forces to assume full responsibility for security in the country.