The High Command of the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) has resolved to withdraw all troops from Somalia within a year, the Kampala Post has learned.
According to a highly placed military source who attended the February 24 meeting at State House Entebbe, unless certain conditions—such as funding shortfalls—are resolved by stakeholders, the UPDF will exit the fragile nation.
The UPDF High Command is the military's top decision-making body, responsible for setting operational, strategic, and security priorities. It is chaired by the President of Uganda and Commander-in-Chief, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. The High Command comprises the military's top leadership, including the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba; the Deputy CDF Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding; Commander of Land Forces, Lt. Gen. Kayanja Muhanga; Commander of the Reserve Force, Lt. Gen. Otema Awany; Commander of the Air Force, Lt. Gen. Charles Okidi; and Commander of the Special Forces Command (SFC), Maj. Gen. David Mugisha. Other members include the Chief of Joint Staff, Lt. Gen. Jack Bakasumba, along with service commanders and chiefs.
Uganda has been a key contributor to peace and stability in Somalia since its first deployment in 2007, helping to counter the terrorism that had plagued the country for decades.
As the first country to deploy soldiers to Somalia in 2007, the UPDF's initial entry was widely deemed suicidal by observers, given the chaotic and dangerous environment that had defied previous peace efforts. Despite the grim predictions, Uganda spearheaded what became the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), which has since transitioned into the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) after years of operations that have contributed to stabilizing the Horn of Africa nation. Since that landmark deployment, over 40 UPDF battle groups have served in Somalia under the successive African Union missions (AMISOM, ATMIS, and now AUSSOM).
The UPDF has been praised for its role in significantly stabilizing Somalia by reclaiming key urban centers like Mogadishu from al-Shabaab, protecting federal institutions, and enabling political processes. The UPDF has also been crucial in facilitating the creation of federal member states, training Somali National Army (SNA) forces, and facilitating humanitarian access.
