Uganda starts pulling its troops out of Somalia: what it means for al-Shabaab, AUSSOM and Kenya
After nearly 20 years, Uganda has begun withdrawing its soldiers from Somalia and plans to finish by the end of 2027. Uganda was the African Union mission's first and one of its biggest contributors. Here is what changes, and why Kenya is watching closely.
On Monday 2 November 2026, Uganda's army said it had begun withdrawing troops from Somalia, ending what it called its "enduring 20-year peace and stabilization support operations". The drawdown should be complete by the end of 2027.
The numbers
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Ugandan troops in Somalia | About 6,500 to 8,500, including units protecting the capital, Mogadishu |
| In the African Union mission (AUSSOM) | About 40% of the force |
| Leaving first | Troops under Uganda's separate bilateral deal with Somalia, about a third of its soldiers there |
| Uganda's role since | March 2007, the first country to join the AU mission |
| Deadline | End of 2027 |
Why it is worrying
- Al-Shabaab is still strong. The al-Qaeda-linked group controls large parts of central Somalia and last week claimed one of its deadliest attacks on government forces in years, in Lower Shabelle.
- Money is short. The US said this year it would stop funding a UN logistics mission that AU forces rely on.
- Analysts disagree on the risk. One analyst warns Somalia's army cannot yet hold territory or protect Mogadishu; others, including the International Crisis Group, call fears of Mogadishu falling too pessimistic for now.
Why Kenya is watching
- Kenyan troops are there too. The KDF serves in AUSSOM, mainly in southern Somalia around Kismayo. A smaller mission means more pressure on those who stay. See Kenya's military explained.
- Border security. Al-Shabaab has carried out deadly attacks inside Kenya. A stronger al-Shabaab is a direct risk to counties like Lamu, Garissa and Mandera.
- Regional stability affects trade, refugees and investment across East Africa.
Also in Uganda: a former general arrested
Separately, Ugandan forces on Monday arrested Peter Elwelu, a former deputy chief of defence forces and presidential adviser. Army chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba had stripped him of his rank days earlier, accusing him of stockpiling weapons and plotting to destabilise the Teso region; the army says 15 guns were recovered and 20 former soldiers arrested. His wife says he is innocent. He is expected to be charged in court.
Related: Kenya vs Uganda, military compared.
