The first soldiers have returned home, with Kampala planning to end its military presence in the country by late 2027

Uganda has begun withdrawing its troops from Somalia after nearly two decades of military operations against Islamist militants, a local news agency announced on Monday, citing the country’s armed forces.

The pullout initially covers troops deployed under bilateral agreements with Somalia’s federal government, according to Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) spokesman Colonel Chris Magezi. The operation took effect immediately, he said in a statement on November 2.

“The first cohort of troops under the phased withdrawal operation have already arrived back in Uganda,” Magezi said, adding that the withdrawal of soldiers serving under bilateral arrangements would be completed within days.

The decision comes amid cuts to international and US funding for logistical missions and the gradual transfer of security responsibilities to Somalia’s army.…