Uganda sends new troops to Somalia after withdrawing another contingent yesterday

Mogadishu (Caasimada Online) – The government of Uganda has sent new troops from its military to Somalia, who will participate in the African Union Mission in Support of and Stabilization of Somalia, abbreviated as (AUSSOM).

Before these troops were sent to Somalia, they were given training on military ethics, adherence to military laws, and compliance with international regulations relevant to the mission.

The troops sent by Uganda, which are part of the 48th Battalion (Battle Group 48), are replacing the 45th unit, which has completed its designated period of operation within Somalia, according to officials from the Uganda People's Defence Forces.

Major General Felix Busizoori, who is the Deputy Commander of the Land Forces of Uganda, in a speech he delivered to the new troops urged them to carry out their assigned duties efficiently and to avoid any actions that could harm their honor or violate the laws and agreements of both countries.

He also praised the previous troops of the 45th unit, noting the efforts they demonstrated during their time in Somalia, and urged the new troops of the 48th unit to show the same level of discipline, effort, and responsibility.

This step comes as yesterday the government of Uganda withdrew 109 soldiers from its forces in Somalia, which came at a time when President Yoweri Museveni recently told President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud that his country would withdraw part of its troops from Somalia by November 15 of the year 2026.

} This situation also comes as the African Union Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) is currently facing financial shortages and uncertainty regarding the international support it relies on.

However, Uganda became the first country to send troops to Somalia in 2007, as part of the African Union mission AMISOM. Since then, Ugandan forces have participated alongside Somali forces in the battles against Al-Shabaab, taking control of key areas and protecting government facilities.

AMISOM was replaced by ATMIS in 2022, which in turn will be replaced by AUSSOM on January 1, 2025. The current mission focuses on supporting Somali forces, stabilizing the country, and gradually transferring security responsibilities to Somali security agencies.