KAMPALA – The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has commenced the withdrawal of troops deployed in Somalia under bilateral arrangements with the Federal Government of Somalia, with the first group of soldiers already returning home.
In a statement issued on Monday, November 2, 2026, Col. Chris Magezi, the Acting Director of Defence Public Information, said the phased withdrawal had taken effect immediately and would be completed within the next few days.
“The first cohort of troops under the phased withdrawal operation have already arrived back in Uganda,” Magezi said.
The withdrawal marks the beginning of Uganda’s gradual exit from its military engagement in Somalia, where UPDF troops have played a significant role in supporting peace, security and stabilisation efforts for two decades.
Magezi said Uganda would also gradually withdraw its remaining forces deployed in Somalia under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), with the entire process expected to be completed by the end of 2027.
“This will mark the end of Uganda’s enduring 20-year peace and stabilization support operations in Somalia, permitting the Somali Armed Forces to assume full responsibility for security in the country,” he said.
Uganda has maintained a longstanding military presence in Somalia as part of regional and international efforts to restore stability, strengthen state institutions and combat security threats.
The planned withdrawal is expected to pave the way for Somali security forces to take full charge of the country’s security responsibilities after years of support from Ugandan and other international forces.
Uganda’s phased withdrawal from Somalia will therefore bring to a close one of its longest-running overseas military engagements.
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