02-11-2026
Uganda has started withdrawing troops from Somalia after nearly two decades of military involvement, with the first group of soldiers already back in Uganda and further departures expected in the coming days. Acting army spokesperson Chris Magezi said the phased withdrawal would include forces serving under the African Union mission and be completed by the end of 2027. Uganda was the first African country to contribute troops to the African Union Mission in Somalia (Amisom), established in 2007 to protect Somalia’s transitional government from Islamist militant attacks. A contingent of 109 Ugandan troops reportedly left Mogadishu on Friday after army chief Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba announced the withdrawal and said security responsibilities would be handed to Somali forces. Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni and Somali President Sheikh Mohamud met in Kampala last week to discuss security, trade and economic ties. Mohamud reportedly sought an extension of Uganda’s military presence, but the outcome was not made public. Museveni urged Somali leaders and citizens to unite against al-Shabab, an al-Qaeda-linked group that has led a prolonged insurgency. Uganda’s forces helped push al-Shabab out of Mogadishu and other major towns, and fought alongside the Somali National Army to recapture strategic areas and protect government installations. The withdrawal comes as Somalia is expected to assume full responsibility for its security. The African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (Aussom), which replaced Atmis in 2025, is intended to strengthen Somali security institutions and prepare national forces to take over. However, Aussom’s future funding is uncertain amid plans to wind down US and UN support. A 12-month transition plan is due to begin in January, allowing Somalia and the African Union time to seek alternative funding.
Entities: Uganda, Somalia, Chris Magezi, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Yoweri Museveni • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
02-11-2026
Uganda has begun a phased withdrawal of its troops from Somalia, ending a military deployment that has lasted nearly 20 years. The Ugandan military said the first group of returning troops had arrived in Uganda. Local media reported that an initial contingent of 109 soldiers left Mogadishu on Friday.
Uganda was the first country to contribute troops to the African Union peacekeeping force established in 2007 to support Somalia’s government against Al-Shabab. About 4,500 Ugandan soldiers currently serve in Somalia under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), while roughly 2,000 more are deployed under bilateral agreements. Uganda says it intends to withdraw all of its forces, including those in AUSSOM, by the end of 2027. Its military says the departure should allow Somali forces to take full responsibility for national security.
The future of AUSSOM is uncertain after the United States, its largest donor, decided to end funding for a UN logistics office on which the mission relies. Washington has criticized the lack of progress against Al-Shabab and accused Somalia’s government of failing to unify the country and carry out political reforms.
The announcement also coincides with the closure of the UN Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia, which ended its work after more than three decades and transferred responsibilities to the Somali government and UN agencies. Somalia is scheduled to hold elections next May, but insecurity and disputes with the opposition threaten the process.
Al-Shabab’s insurgency has continued for more than two decades. Ugandan forces helped drive the group from Mogadishu and other major towns, but the militants have regained territory in recent years and control significant parts of central and southern Somalia.
Entities: Uganda, Somalia, Mogadishu, Al-Shabab, African Union (AU) • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
02-11-2026
The France 24 programme segment reports on three developments in Africa. Uganda is beginning to withdraw troops from its peacekeeping mission in Somalia, a drawdown that comes days after the United Nations ended its political mission in the country. The supplied article text does not provide details about the number or timing of troops leaving, the reasons for the withdrawal, or its expected effects on security in Somalia.
The programme also previews upcoming municipal elections in South Africa, noting that they risk reinforcing the country’s growing political fragmentation. It gives no further information about the parties, candidates, or electoral outlook. Finally, it reports that Chad is experiencing a severe drought that could become the country’s worst in more than 40 years.
These topics are presented as items in a France 24 Africa news edition, rather than as a detailed written report. The available text identifies Georja Calvin-Smith and lists Antonia Cimini, Laurent Berstecher, and Harold Girard, but does not specify their individual roles. The provided page content includes no further reporting beyond the short programme introduction, so the causes, consequences, and supporting evidence for the three developments cannot be assessed from this text alone.
Entities: Uganda, Somalia, United Nations (UN), Ugandan troop drawdown, Peacekeeping mission • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
02-11-2026
Uganda has begun withdrawing troops from Somalia, starting with forces deployed under a bilateral arrangement with Somalia’s Federal Government. Uganda People’s Defence Forces spokesperson Chris Magezi said the first group had already returned home and that the drawdown took effect immediately. Uganda plans to withdraw all its forces, including troops serving under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), by the end of 2027.
State media reports that Uganda has about 4,500 troops in Somalia under AUSSOM. The number of Ugandan forces deployed through the separate bilateral arrangement is unclear. The withdrawal will end an almost two-decade Ugandan military presence supporting Mogadishu’s fight against al Shabaab, an al Qaeda-linked insurgent group that has sought to overthrow Somalia’s government and impose its strict interpretation of Islamic law.
The planned drawdown has raised concerns about security in areas where Ugandan troops operate. In an October 31 letter to the UN Support Office in Somalia, AUSSOM warned that the withdrawal could leave parts of the Lower Shabelle region vulnerable to al Shabaab attacks. Somali state minister for foreign affairs Ali Omar said the situation was not currently dire, but cautioned that a sudden departure of troops could create problems. Al Shabaab continues to conduct bombings and gun attacks against both military and civilian targets.
Entities: Uganda, Somalia, Kampala, Mogadishu, Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
