Uganda’s long-running military presence in Somalia is set to come to an end on August 1, 2027, with Chief of Defence Forces Muhoozi Kainerugaba announcing that no soldiers from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) will remain in the country after that date.
“We are withdrawing completely from Somalia by the 1st of August 2027. They will not be UPDF in Somalia after that,” Kainerugaba said in a post on X on Friday, August 28, 2026.
The announcement gives a clear timeline for Uganda’s planned exit from Somalia, where its forces have been involved in African Union security operations since 2007.
However, it remains unclear whether the August 1, 2027 date has been formally adopted by the Ugandan government, as there was no immediate confirmation of the deadline from the government.
Uganda has played a major role in efforts to support Somali security forces in their fight against al-Shabaab, the al-Qaeda-linked militant group, through successive African Union missions.
Kainerugaba had earlier indicated that Uganda was considering an exit from Somalia after nearly 19 years of military involvement.
In February, he also raised the possibility of Uganda leaving the mission because of funding challenges affecting the African Union operation.
His latest statement comes only weeks after Uganda hosted an extraordinary meeting of countries providing troops to the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
The meeting was held in Kampala on July 31, 2026, with Uganda calling for continued international backing for Somalia’s peace and security efforts.
Uganda also supported calls for stable and lasting financing for AUSSOM, which is expected to help Somali forces gradually take charge of security duties across the country.
The future of the mission, however, has become less certain because of a major funding problem.
Pressure mounts on AUSSOM
AUSSOM, which has nearly 12,000 personnel, is facing financial and logistical difficulties following a decision by the United States to stop backing United Nations logistical and operational assistance to the African Union force from the beginning of 2027.
In July, the United States informed the African Union that it would not finance the mission after December 31, 2026, according to documents reviewed by People Daily.
The mission depends heavily on United Nations assistance for basic operations, including the supply of food, water and fuel, as well as medical support and transportation of troops.
Although the United States has said it will not block the renewal of AUSSOM’s mandate, it will oppose continued United Nations logistical or operational support for the force.
Washington has also raised concerns over Somalia’s progress in taking full responsibility for its security after years of support from international partners.
The decision has caused concern among African Union officials and diplomats over how AUSSOM will continue its work if another source of funding and logistical support is not found.
The Institute for Security Studies has warned that the US decision could have serious effects on the mission because American funding covers a large part of its logistical needs.
Somalia prepares to take charge
The planned Ugandan withdrawal comes as Somalia works to strengthen its own security forces and reduce its dependence on foreign troops.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has previously called for foreign forces to leave Somalia once Somali forces are ready to take full control of the country’s security.
“We should give the foreign troops a beautiful bouquet and send them home,” Mohamud said.
Despite the push for greater Somali control, the security situation remains challenging, with al-Shabaab still carrying out attacks and maintaining operations in parts of southern and central Somalia.
AUSSOM took over from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia in January 2025. Its main role is to support Somali security forces as they take on a bigger role in protecting the country.
Uganda’s planned departure therefore comes at a sensitive stage for the mission, with the African Union, Somalia and troop-contributing countries looking for ways to keep the operation running despite the financial difficulties.
Kainerugaba also used separate posts on X to make strong statements about his military career and Uganda’s response to threats.
“I am a General because I have killed more than 100,000 soldiers in battle. I still want to kill more, especially in the RSF of Sudan,” he said.
He further compared Uganda’s response to threats to that of Achilles, the Greek warrior, warning that the country would respond strongly when threatened.
“Ugandans know me and our fearless Ugandan spirit…whenever anyone threatens us we respond like Achilles…’You won’t have eyes tonight, you won’t have ears or a tongue.”
The claims made by Kainerugaba about the number of soldiers he has killed in battle could not be independently verified.
The military chief has also taken a more visible role in Uganda’s political affairs.
This week, he announced that he intended to seek the presidency in 2031.
People Daily reported on Wednesday that Kainerugaba had declared his intention to contest for the presidency, although President Yoweri Museveni has not stated whether he plans to seek another term.
If carried out, Uganda’s planned departure would mark the end of one of the country’s longest overseas military deployments.
It would also come at a time when AUSSOM is dealing with serious questions over how it will fund its operations and provide the logistical support needed to keep troops in the field.
While Kainerugaba has given August 1, 2027, as the final date for Uganda’s withdrawal, the Ugandan government has yet to publicly confirm that the date represents its official deadline for pulling all its troops out of Somalia.