Historic Security Shift as Uganda Begins Withdrawing Troops from Somalia After Nearly 20 Years
Facebook Twitter (X) Instagram Somali Magazine - People's Magazine Uganda begins withdrawing troops from Somalia after nearly 20 years of active military presence, marking a defining milestone in the long-running regional peacekeeping and counter-terrorism effort across East Africa. The Chief of Defence Forces of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, officially announced the […] The post Historic Security Shift as Uganda Begins Withdrawing Troops from Somalia After Nearly 20 Years first appeared on Somali Magazine.
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Uganda begins withdrawing troops from Somalia after nearly 20 years of active military presence, marking a defining milestone in the long-running regional peacekeeping and counter-terrorism effort across East Africa. The Chief of Defence Forces of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, officially announced the initial drawdown, confirming that Ugandan contingents have commenced handing over primary security responsibilities to national armed forces. Defense officials outlined a multi-phase transition framework aimed at completing a full military pullout by August 2027, concluding Kampala’s foundational role in stabilizing the sovereign territory.
As the inaugural nation to deploy personnel under the African Union Mission in Somalia in 2007, Uganda has maintained a significant operational footprint to defend strategic government infrastructure, secure major urban corridors, and counter the terrorist group Al-Shabaab. Over two decades, Ugandan contingents played a vital role in dislodging terrorist cells from the capital and securing volatile coastal sectors across the Lower Shabelle region, including Barawe, Qoryoley, Bulo Marer, and Janaale. Military authorities emphasized that while the drawdown process has formally commenced, troop movements are structured to ensure security continuity and prevent operational vulnerabilities during the handover phase.
The phased withdrawal coincides with ongoing high-level security consultations between federal authorities in Mogadishu and regional troop-contributing countries. Reports indicate that Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud recently engaged in executive talks with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni to discuss transition logistics, command coordination, and ongoing support for frontline state institutions. Security experts note that the gradual transfer of base operations places heightened responsibility on the Somali National Army and national security agencies to maintain territorial control and sustain operational pressure against remaining extremist networks.
International partners and regional governance bodies continue to monitor the transition closely, highlighting that a smooth military succession remains paramount for preserving long-term stability. Defense analysts observe that the ongoing transition reflects broader security reforms designed to establish full domestic authority over national defense apparatuses. As Uganda begins withdrawing troops from Somalia after nearly 20 years, military commanders and civic leaders reaffirm their commitment to maintaining close strategic cooperation, ensuring that national defense forces are fully equipped to safeguard sovereignty, protect public safety, and secure lasting regional peace.
The post Historic Security Shift as Uganda Begins Withdrawing Troops from Somalia After Nearly 20 Years first appeared on Somali Magazine.
