Uganda has begun withdrawing troops from Somalia after almost two decades of military involvement in the country, a move that could reshape security arrangements in the Horn of Africa. Ugandan military authorities said the first group of soldiers had already returned home and that the broader withdrawal would proceed in phases.
Reuters reported that Uganda intends to withdraw all of its forces, including personnel serving under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia, by the end of 2027. Associated Press reporting described the deployment as part of an African Union peacekeeping effort that helped Somali forces push back al-Shabaab, the al-Qaida-linked militant organization.
Ugandan troops have been among the most important foreign forces supporting Somalia’s federal government. Their presence has helped protect major population centers, secure government facilities and maintain pressure on militant networks. A gradual departure therefore creates both a transition challenge and a test of whether Somalia’s own security institutions can assume more responsibility.
The decision does not necessarily mean an immediate collapse in the security framework. The withdrawal is phased, and Somalia continues to work with other regional and international partners. However, troop reductions can create gaps if replacements, financing and logistics are not arranged in time. Al-Shabaab has repeatedly demonstrated the ability to exploit weakly defended areas, conduct attacks in cities and disrupt transport and commerce.
The economic consequences could extend beyond military affairs. Insecurity raises the cost of moving goods, limits investment and complicates humanitarian access. It can also delay the development of ports, roads and agricultural markets that Somalia needs to reduce dependence on emergency assistance. A deterioration in security would affect neighboring Kenya, Ethiopia and Djibouti, all of which have direct interests in cross-border trade and regional stability.
The withdrawal also reflects the difficult financing environment facing African peace operations. Missions require predictable funding for salaries, equipment, air support and medical evacuation. Where those resources are uncertain, troop-contributing countries may reassess the sustainability of long deployments. Uganda’s decision could therefore prompt wider debate about how responsibility for Somalia’s security should be divided among Mogadishu, African institutions and external donors.
For international organizations, the main issue is sequencing. A responsible drawdown requires clear benchmarks, including the readiness of Somali units, the security of key corridors and the ability of civilian authorities to govern areas recovered from militants. If withdrawals move faster than institutional capacity improves, short-term savings could create larger humanitarian and security costs.
Uganda’s announcement is significant because it marks the beginning of a long transition rather than a single departure event. The next year will show whether the planned drawdown is matched by credible security guarantees and sustained international support.
Sources: - https://apnews.com/article/b6190eae50810b62a902bd9211f91d77 - https://ca.marketscreener.com/news/uganda-says-it-has-started-withdrawing-troops-from-somalia-ce785fd8d18ff521