Uganda says it has begun withdrawing its troops from Somalia after nearly two decades, with a full pullout targeted for August 2027.

General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda's Chief of Defence Forces, said the withdrawal had begun, according to a report of his statement on 30 October.

Nearly 20 years in Somalia

Uganda was the first country to deploy troops to Somalia, in 2007, under the African Union mission then known as AMISOM. The current mission, AUSSOM, began operations on 1 January 2025.

Funding pressure

The withdrawal comes as the African Union mission faces mounting financial pressure after the United States decided to withdraw funding and logistical support.

  • In a diplomatic note sent on 1 July, the US told the African Union that it would oppose renewing AUSSOM's authorisation at the UN Security Council if it includes support from the UN support office, UNSOS.
  • The US had set a deadline of 31 December 2026, then negotiated a 12-month extension with the Security Council.
  • Washington agreed to a phased drawdown of UN logistical services starting in January 2027.
  • UNSOS support carries an annual budget of about US$500 million, and a 25% funding cut has affected frontline operations, according to the report.

Washington cited insufficient progress in security sector reforms and a failure by Somali forces to take full ownership of their territory, the report said.

What Uganda says

A separate report quotes Uganda's army spokesperson, Chris Magezi, as saying the phased withdrawal lets Somalia take full responsibility for its own security.

What we do not yet know

  • How many Ugandan troops are deployed and how many have left. 
  • Whether other troop-contributing countries will follow.