UPDF Begins Withdrawal of Bilaterally Deployed Troops from Somalia
KAMPALA — The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has commenced the drawdown of troops deployed in Somalia under bilateral arrangements with the Federal Government, effective immediately, the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs announced Monday.
According to a press statement issued by Colonel Chris Magezi, Acting Director Defence Public Information, the first cohort of troops under the phased withdrawal operation has already arrived back in Uganda. The operation to withdraw troops deployed under bilateral arrangements is expected to be completed within the next few days.
The statement further revealed that the UPDF will gradually withdraw all its forces from Somalia, including those currently serving under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), by the close of 2027.
This comprehensive withdrawal will mark the end of Uganda’s 20-year peace and stabilization support operations in Somalia, allowing the Somali Armed Forces to assume full responsibility for security in the country.
The UPDF has been a key contributor to peacekeeping efforts in Somalia, playing a significant role in the African Union mission aimed at stabilizing the Horn of Africa nation.
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