Uganda withdraws troops from Somalia after 20 years
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Eagle Online
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba announces the start of the withdrawal of Ugandan forces from Somalia after nearly 20 years of operations against Al-Shabaab insurgents. Kampala is to gradually transfer security to Somali forces, while President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud reportedly asked that strategic positions be preserved, according to Eagle Online.
Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has announced the start of the withdrawal of Ugandan troops from Somalia, after nearly 20 years of operations against Al-Shabaab insurgents. “After 20 years of blood and sacrifice, we are handing security over to our Somali brothers,” he said, according to Eagle Online.
Uganda deployed its first contingent to Somalia on 6 March 2007, as part of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), to support the transitional federal government and protect public institutions. Its soldiers later took part in offensives against Al-Shabaab, secured strategic positions and helped train Somali forces.
The withdrawal comes as Somalia is being called upon to take greater responsibility for its security. Somali president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud reportedly asked Ugandan president Yoweri Museveni to delay the departure of troops deployed in strategic areas of the south of the country, amid fears of security gaps.
The Ugandan mission has paid a heavy price. In May 2023, Al-Shabaab fighters stormed a Ugandan forces base in Bulo Marer, in Lower Shabelle, according to Eagle Online.
