Gen. Muhoozi Signals UPDF Withdrawal from Somalia over Funding

Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has said Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) could withdraw completely from Somalia by the end of 2026 unless urgent and serious discussions address the persistent funding shortfalls for the African Union mission combating Al-Shabaab.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, Gen. Muhoozi declared: “Unless we have serious discussions about financing for our mission in Somalia, we shall withdraw by the end of this year.” The statement escalates earlier signals from late January 2026, when he announced intentions for a full pullout after nearly two decades of Ugandan involvement, citing unsustainable financial burdens amid donor arrears reportedly exceeding tens of millions of dollars.

Uganda has been a cornerstone of AU operations in Somalia since 2007, deploying thousands of troops under successive missions—including AMISOM, ATMIS, and now the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). UPDF forces have played a pivotal role in securing Mogadishu, major supply routes, and key population centres, suffering significant casualties while helping stabilise areas long contested by the Islamist militant group Al-Shabaab.

The timing of Gen. Muhoozi’s latest remarks follows the United Nations Security Council’s unanimous resolution on December 24, 2025, extending AUSSOM’s mandate until December 31, 2026, while scheduling the closure of the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) by October 31, 2026. The decision aims to support a Somali-led security transition but has heightened concerns over predictable funding, as the African Union has repeatedly stressed the need for sustainable resources to sustain operations during this fragile phase.

Gen. Muhoozi’s concern reflects broader unease among troop-contributing countries facing budget cuts from Western donors, including reported U.S. reductions in logistical and financial support. In recent statements, he has demanded substantial annual contributions—up to $1 billion—from partners like the United States to cover deployment costs, warning that without resolution, Uganda has no choice but to prioritise domestic resources.

The potential withdrawal threatens to create a major security vacuum in southern Somalia, where Al-Shabaab continues sporadic attacks despite territorial losses.

As Uganda marks 19 years of sacrifice in Somalia, Gen. Muhoozi’s ultimatum underscores the high stakes: continued international commitment is essential to prevent backsliding in one of Africa’s longest-running stabilisation efforts.