MOGADISHU (HornPost) Uganda has begun a phased withdrawal of its troops from Somalia after nearly 20 years of military involvement in efforts to support the country’s security and fight al-Shabaab militants.
The first group of 109 Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers reportedly left Mogadishu on Friday as part of a gradual troop withdrawal.
The move follows an announcement by Uganda’s military chief, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who confirmed that Kampala had started withdrawing its forces from Somalia.
“As promised, we have started withdrawing our UPDF troops from Somalia. After 20 years of blood and sacrifice, we are handing over security responsibilities to our Somali brothers,” Kainerugaba wrote on X.
Uganda’s acting military spokesman, Chris Magezi, did not respond to a BBC request for further comment on the withdrawal.
Uganda’s Long Military Presence in Somalia
Uganda was the first African country to deploy troops to Somalia under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).
For nearly two decades, Ugandan forces have worked alongside the Somali National Army to combat al-Shabaab. They have also helped government forces regain control of strategic areas previously held by the militant group.
In addition, Ugandan troops have helped secure key government installations and other important locations in the country.
In 2024, AMISOM transitioned into the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
Uganda to Maintain Military Support
The new mission aims to strengthen Somalia’s security institutions and build the capacity of local forces. It also seeks to prepare Somali security agencies to gradually assume full responsibility for national security.
However, Uganda has not announced a complete end to its military involvement in Somalia.
The current withdrawal forms part of a reduction in the number of Ugandan troops stationed in the country. The process follows a separate military agreement between Kampala and Mogadishu.
Uganda will continue contributing troops to Somalia’s African Union-backed security mission.
The phased withdrawal comes as Somali security forces continue efforts to strengthen their capacity and take greater responsibility for protecting the country.
HornPost Staff Reporter
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