What Next After UPDF Pulls Out of Somalia?

After nearly two decades of leading peacekeeping efforts in the Horn of Africa, Uganda is preparing to pull its troops out of Somalia. For 19 years, the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) have formed the backbone of international interventions aimed at pacifying the war-torn nation and dismantling insurgent networks.

This impending withdrawal marks a significant turning point for regional security. Having contributed the highest number of boots on the ground, Uganda’s departure forces a critical reassessment of how local security forces can independently maintain stability against persistent threats.

Policymakers, military analysts, and regional bodies are now grappling with the logistical and strategic implications of the transition. Ensuring that Somali national security forces are fully equipped to shoulder the heavy burden of defense remains a paramount priority as the international mission winds down.

Read more about this transition in the Daily Monitor.