Uganda has announced it will fully withdraw its military forces from Somalia by August 1, 2027, marking the end of a 20-year military engagement in the Horn of Africa. The decision was made by General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the country’s military chief, who emphasized the complete withdrawal of the Uganda People's Defense Forces (UPDF) from the neighboring nation. The move comes as part of a broader strategic shift in Uganda’s foreign policy, focusing on regional stability and domestic priorities.
The withdrawal is expected to impact the African Union’s mission in Somalia, known as AUSSOM, which has relied on Ugandan troops for security support. Analysts suggest the decision may weaken the AU’s capacity to maintain security in the volatile region. Uganda’s involvement in Somalia began in 2007 as part of AU-led efforts to assist the Somali government against insurgent groups.
The timeline for the withdrawal aligns with Uganda’s broader goals of reducing military commitments and reallocating resources to domestic development. The government has not yet provided details on how the security vacuum will be addressed or what role other regional actors might take. The announcement has sparked discussions about the future of regional security cooperation in the Horn of Africa.
