Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has warned that the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) could fully withdraw from Somalia by the end of 2026 unless urgent and sustained discussions address persistent funding shortfalls for the African Union mission combating Al-Shabaab.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, Gen. Muhoozi stated: “Unless we have serious discussions about financing for our mission in Somalia, we shall withdraw by the end of this year.” His remarks follow earlier signals in late January 2026, when he indicated intentions for a complete pullout, citing unsustainable financial burdens amid donor arrears reportedly exceeding tens of millions of dollars.
Uganda has been a key contributor to African Union (AU) operations in Somalia since 2007, deploying thousands of troops under successive missions, including AMISOM, ATMIS, and the current African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
UPDF personnel have played a central role in securing Mogadishu, major supply routes, and other strategic population centres, often at high personal cost, while helping stabilise areas long contested by the Islamist militant group Al-Shabaab.
The timing of Gen. Muhoozi’s warning follows the United Nations Security Council’s unanimous resolution on December 24, 2025, extending AUSSOM’s mandate until December 31, 2026, and scheduling the closure of the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) by October 31, 2026.
While the decision aims to facilitate a Somali-led security transition, it has intensified concerns over predictable funding, with the African Union repeatedly stressing the need for sustainable resources to support operations during this critical period.
Gen. Muhoozi’s statement reflects broader challenges faced by troop-contributing countries amid reductions in Western support, including reported cuts in U.S. logistical and financial assistance. He has repeatedly called for substantial annual contributions, up to $1 billion, from international partners to cover deployment costs, cautioning that without a viable funding framework, Uganda will be forced to prioritise domestic resources.
A full UPDF withdrawal could create a significant security vacuum in southern Somalia, where Al-Shabaab continues to launch sporadic attacks despite losing territory. As Uganda marks 19 years of involvement in Somalia, Gen. Muhoozi’s remarks underscore the urgency of international engagement and sustained financing to prevent setbacks in one of Africa’s longest-running stabilisation efforts.
