The Uganda People’s Defence Forces has officially started withdrawing its troops from Somalia after nearly two decades of military involvement. In a statement on 2 November 2026, Acting Director of Defence Public Information Col Chris Magezi confirmed that the first cohort of soldiers deployed under bilateral arrangements with the Federal Government of Somalia had already returned to Uganda. The withdrawal of the bilaterally deployed troops (estimated at about 2,000) is expected to be completed within days. All remaining UPDF forces in Somalia, including the approximately 4,500 troops serving under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), will be gradually withdrawn by the close of 2027. Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba earlier announced the start of the process, stating: “After 20 years of a lot of blood and sacrifice, we are handing over security to our Somali brothers.” Uganda was the first African country to deploy troops to Somalia in 2007 under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). Ugandan forces played a central role in fighting Al-Shabaab and stabilising the country. The full exit will mark the end of Uganda’s long-running peace and stabilisation operations in Somalia, allowing the Somali Armed Forces to take full responsibility for national security.