MOGADISHU— Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has announced that Uganda plans to withdraw all of its troops from Somalia by August 1, 2027, potentially bringing to an end nearly two decades of Ugandan military involvement in the country.

Kainerugaba announced the planned withdrawal in a post on X, stating that Uganda would have no troops remaining in Somalia after the stated date.

Uganda has been one of the leading contributors to African Union military operations in Somalia since the deployment of its forces in 2007. Over nearly two decades, Ugandan troops have played a prominent role in operations against Al-Shabaab and in efforts to support Somalia’s security institutions.

The announcement comes at a critical time for the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which faces continuing challenges over funding and international support. Questions have also emerged over the mission’s financial sustainability beyond the end of 2026.

Despite Kainerugaba’s announcement, the Ugandan government has not yet formally confirmed that August 1, 2027, represents the definitive deadline for the withdrawal of its forces from Somalia. It remains unclear whether the stated date reflects a final government decision or a proposed timeline.

The announcement also comes amid renewed diplomatic discussions over Somalia’s political situation. Diplomatic sources have reportedly indicated that Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has been pressing Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to pursue an inclusive political dialogue involving key political actors.

The reported position of the Ugandan president has been linked by diplomatic sources to wider concerns over political tensions in Somalia and the potential impact of domestic divisions on the country’s security and stability.

Any eventual withdrawal of Ugandan forces would represent a major shift in Somalia’s security architecture. Uganda has been a central component of African Union military deployments in the country since 2007, making its forces among the most experienced foreign contingents operating against Al-Shabaab.