Uganda has officially launched the withdrawal of its troops from Somalia, where the country has maintained a military presence for nearly two decades. The decision follows a deepening funding crisis triggered by the United States' decision to reduce its financial and logistical support to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
Uganda's Defence Forces Commander Muhoozi Kainerugaba confirmed the withdrawal had begun and said the goal was to complete the pullout by August 2027. "After 20 years of great sacrifice and blood spilled, we are handing over security to our Somali brothers," he stated.
Uganda was the first country to deploy troops to Somalia in 2007 under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). Since then, Ugandan forces have fought alongside the Somali National Army against the militant group Al-Shabaab while also guarding strategic locations and public institutions.
Launched on 1 January 2025, AUSSOM aims to strengthen Somali security forces, protect civilians, and gradually transfer security responsibilities to Somali authorities. The UN Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), backed by an annual budget of approximately $500 million, provides AU troops with food, water, fuel, healthcare and military transport.
The US administration had opposed the renewal of AUSSOM's mandate within the UN Security Council insofar as it included UNSOS logistical or operational support, and subsequently cut its contributions to the mission. As a result, UNSOS support decreased by roughly 25 percent, disrupting field operations. Uganda's announcement comes as fighting against Al-Shabaab continues in southern Somalia and uncertainty over the future of international security support grows.
