Uganda begins withdrawing 109 troops from Somalia after 20 years

The Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) have officially started their withdrawal from Somalia, signaling the beginning of the end for a military presence that has lasted nearly twenty years. This move marks a pivotal shift in the regional security strategy for the Horn of Africa, as one of the mission's longest-serving contributors begins to bring its personnel home. The departure follows approximately two decades of intensive military involvement aimed at stabilizing the country.

Uganda's army chief, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, confirmed that the withdrawal process is now underway and that the initial phase has already been executed. He noted that a first group consisting of 109 troops has already departed from the Somali capital, Mogadishu. This first contingent's exit serves as the formal commencement of the drawdown, providing the first tangible evidence of the planned conclusion of the UPDF's long-standing deployment.

The departure of these 109 soldiers represents the first step in a larger transition for the Ugandan military. Having maintained a consistent and significant presence in Somalia for nearly 20 years, the UPDF has been a primary component of international efforts to secure the region. The confirmation from General Kainerugaba provides clarity on the status of the withdrawal as the mission reaches its final stages.

As these initial troops leave Mogadishu, the focus remains on the logistical and security implications of ending a multi-year mission. The nearly two-decade-long deployment has been a cornerstone of Uganda's regional defense policy. The ongoing withdrawal will continue as the UPDF coordinates the return of its remaining forces and hands over security responsibilities in the areas where they have operated since the mission began.