Uganda has begun a phased withdrawal of its troops from Somalia, with all Ugandan forces expected to leave by the end of 2027, two decades after Uganda first deployed to the country, as Somali troops take over their security responsibilities.
The first soldiers to return were deployed under a bilateral agreement with Somalia, the BBC reported.
Further departures are expected within days. The withdrawal will eventually include Uganda’s contingent serving under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia.
An estimated 4,500 Ugandan troops serve with the mission, alongside 2,000 deployed through bilateral arrangements.
A first group of 109 soldiers reportedly departed Mogadishu last week, after army chief Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba announced that Uganda had begun handing over its responsibilities to Somali forces.
Security Handover
The pullout follows talks in Kampala last week between Somali President Hassan Sheik Mohamud and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni.
Mohamud reportedly sought an extension of Uganda’s military presence.
During the visit, Museveni called for greater unity among Somali leaders and citizens against al-Shabaab, the al-Qaeda-linked group that continues to wage an insurgency in the country.
Uganda first sent troops to Somalia in 2007, becoming the first country to contribute forces to the African Union Mission in Somalia.
Its soldiers subsequently helped Somali forces push al-Shabaab out of Mogadishu and other major towns, regain strategic territory, and protect government facilities.
The planned departure would end 20 years of Ugandan military involvement, although the phased timetable means its forces will remain during the security handover.