The African Union mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) plans to take over four bases currently occupied by Ugandan forces in the Lower Shabelle region—forces that have begun withdrawing from the country—to prevent Al-Shabaab from exploiting any security vacuum resulting from their departure.
A letter from the African Union mission to the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) indicates that peacekeeping troops will replace the departing Ugandan forces at four bases located in areas critical to the defense of the capital, Mogadishu.
The bases slated for takeover by AUSSOM are Sabiid-Caanole, Bariire, Awdheegle, and Buulo-Nagaad; the new troops are expected to arrive during the force rotation scheduled for November.
This development follows Uganda’s announcement that it has begun withdrawing its troops—who were present in Somalia under a bilateral agreement with the Federal Government—with the first contingent of soldiers already having returned home.
Ugandan military spokesperson, Colonel Chris Magezi, stated that the troops deployed under a bilateral agreement between the two countries will withdraw within a few days, while other Ugandan forces—part of the African Union mission—will gradually exit Somalia by the end of 2027.
Uganda has maintained a military presence in Somalia for nearly two decades, participating in operations against Al-Shabaab and securing key installations.
The withdrawal of Ugandan forces also coincides with the conclusion of the United Nations political mission in Somalia, which, for over thirty years, has supported the rebuilding of government institutions and the mediation of political disputes.
