Uganda to withdraw all military forces from Somalia by end of 2026

Uganda has announced plans to withdraw its entire military contingent from Somalia by the end of next year, marking a pivotal shift in the long-standing international effort to stabilize the Horn of Africa nation. Having been the first country to deploy troops under the African Union banner in 2007, Uganda’s departure signals the conclusion of nearly two decades of direct military involvement. This move comes as the African Union transitions to the new African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which is already grappling with significant logistical and financial hurdles.

The planned withdrawal has triggered a wave of concern regarding the readiness of the Somali National Army (SNA) to maintain security independently. While some Somali officials express hope that the exit will foster national self-reliance, critics point to persistent gaps in the SNA’s training, equipment, and payroll systems. Al-Shabaab, the Al-Qaeda-linked militant group that has fought the central government for two decades, continues to control vast rural areas and has recently demonstrated its ability to launch lethal strikes against Somali forces when international support is thinned.

The exit of one of Somalia's most reliable military partners also places a spotlight on the future of international support for the region. The AUSSOM mission is currently facing funding constraints, particularly as traditional donors like the United States review their financial commitments. In the wake of the impending Ugandan departure, some analysts suggest that Somalia may look toward other strategic partners, such as Turkey, to enhance its military capabilities and fill the void left by African Union troops.

Public reaction in Somalia remains deeply divided. For many, the withdrawal represents a necessary step toward ending foreign military presence and asserting full national sovereignty. However, for others, the move is shadowed by the memory of previous insurgent resurgences following military drawdowns. The success of this transition will ultimately depend on whether the Somali government can effectively consolidate control and prevent Al-Shabaab from capitalizing on the resulting security vacuum during the handover process.