Uganda to Deploy New Troops to Somalia Under AU Peace Mission

October 30, 2025

KAMPALA, Uganda – The Government of Uganda has announced plans to deploy a new contingent of troops to Somalia in the coming weeks to support the African Union Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), aimed at strengthening peace and security efforts across the country.

The new deployment reflects Uganda’s ongoing commitment to regional stability and its leading role in peacekeeping operations under the African Union framework. Uganda remains one of the key contributors to AUSSOM, previously known as AMISOM, and has maintained a strong military presence in Somalia for nearly two decades.

Speaking during a ceremony held in Kampala, Lieutenant General Francis Takirwa, Deputy Commander of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Land Forces, addressed the newly assigned troops who are preparing to depart for Somalia. He urged them to serve with discipline, patriotism, and integrity throughout their peacekeeping mission.

“Your duty is to safeguard the unity of Africa and uphold the value of peace. You must demonstrate discipline, professionalism, and respect for the people of Somalia,” said General Takirwa during his speech.

He emphasized that Uganda’s continued participation in AUSSOM is not only a demonstration of solidarity with the Somali people but also a critical part of regional counterterrorism efforts aimed at dismantling militant groups such as Al-Shabaab. The general reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to ensuring Somalia achieves long-term peace, stability, and self-reliance.

Ugandan forces have been instrumental in securing key areas in southern Somalia, particularly in Mogadishu, Lower Shabelle, and other regions where they have carried out operations to protect civilians, reopen supply routes, and assist Somali security forces in stabilizing liberated areas. Their presence has been central to the progress made in reclaiming territories once controlled by insurgents.

Since joining the African Union peace mission in 2007, Uganda has played a vital role in peacekeeping and remains the largest troop-contributing country to the mission. The deployment of this new contingent is expected to further bolster AUSSOM’s capacity to support the Somali National Army in maintaining security during this critical transition period.

In addition to combat operations, the Ugandan peacekeepers will participate in humanitarian support, protection of civilians, and community outreach programs aimed at fostering trust between peacekeeping forces and local communities.

The Government of Uganda reaffirmed its unwavering support to the Federal Government of Somalia, acknowledging that regional peace and stability are interdependent. “Uganda stands with Somalia and the people of Africa in the pursuit of peace, unity, and development,” added General Takirwa.

The new deployment also coincides with ongoing reforms within AUSSOM, as the African Union and the Somali government work closely to gradually transfer full security responsibilities to Somali forces by the end of the current transition period.

As the troops prepare to depart, Uganda’s leadership has expressed confidence that their professionalism and dedication will continue to uphold the reputation of the UPDF as one of Africa’s most respected peacekeeping forces.