Somalia has clarified that Uganda’s ongoing withdrawal of troops deployed under bilateral arrangements does not constitute a complete withdrawal of Ugandan military personnel from the country.

Ambassador Awes Hagi Yusuf Ahmed, Somalia’s National Security Advisor, said the personnel currently redeploying to Uganda are primarily bilateral forces operating under separate arrangements between the governments of Somalia and Uganda.

He emphasised that the Ugandan contingent serving under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) remains in the country and continues to carry out its mandate alongside other contributing partner forces and the Somali National Army (SNA).

“The redeployment of bilateral forces should not be misconstrued as a complete withdrawal of Ugandan military personnel from Somalia,” Ahmed said.

The clarification follows an announcement by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) that it had commenced the withdrawal of troops deployed under bilateral arrangements, with the first cohort already returning to Uganda.

In a statement issued on November 2, the UPDF said the bilateral withdrawal would be completed within days, while all Ugandan forces, including those serving under AUSSOM, are expected to leave Somalia by the close of 2027.

Ahmed made the remarks after chairing a tripartite meeting involving the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS), AUSSOM and the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS).

During the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the tripartite coordination mechanism to enhance cooperation, strategic planning and logistical support for AUSSOM and the Somali National Army.

They also underscored the importance of sustained, predictable and adequate international support in advancing Somalia’s security transition, consolidating gains from ongoing offensive operations and strengthening the operational capacity of Somali security forces.

Ahmed said continued cooperation among Somalia, its international partners and security institutions remained essential to achieving sustainable security, lasting peace and long-term stability.

Uganda has maintained a military presence in Somalia for two decades, supporting peace and stabilisation efforts. The ongoing redeployment of bilateral forces is part of a broader transition towards Somali security forces assuming greater responsibility for the country’s security.