UPDF Begins Withdrawal of Bilateral Troops from Somalia

What the report says

Uganda’s army has begun pulling troops out of Somalia under bilateral arrangements with the Federal Government of Somalia, according to Watchdog Uganda, with the first group already back in Uganda. The report said the phased withdrawal was announced on Monday, November 2, 2026, by Col. Chris Magezi, the UPDF’s acting director of defence public information.

Magezi said the process took effect immediately and would be completed within a few days for the first phase. He also indicated that Uganda’s remaining personnel serving under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) would be withdrawn gradually, with the broader exit expected to be finished by the end of 2027.

The article said the move signals the start of Uganda’s gradual departure from a military role it has maintained in Somalia for about two decades. In that time, Ugandan forces have been part of regional efforts to support security, stabilisation and state-building, alongside Somali and international partners.

If completed as outlined, the withdrawal would leave Somali security forces with full responsibility for the country’s security. The development is significant because Uganda has been one of the longest-serving contributors to operations in Somalia, and its exit would mark the end of one of its most enduring overseas military commitments.