UGANDA'S UPDF EXIT IN SOMALIA
In rather unprecedented move, Uganda is considering withdrawing its troops from Somalia.
Uganda’s UPDF is battling the Al Qaeda linked Al-Shabaab in Somalia and pulling the troops out could bring to an end nine years of peacekeeping in the war-torn nation.
Uganda’s UPDF has been fighting Al-Shabaab alongside SNA and other troops under AMISOM including Kenya’s KDF, Burundi troops, Ethiopian ENDF, and Djibouti peacekeepers.
Uganda troops entered Somalia in 2007 and have played a vital role in the war against Al-Shabaab that has resulted in pacification of many territories in Somalia, including the country’s capital, Mogadishu.
It is not clear why Uganda is considering withdrawing it troops but of late the army has been complaining of not being paid their allowances by European Union.
Withdrawing of UPDF will be a huge blow to Somalia already struggling with Al-Shabaab militancy, ISIS also establish foothold in the country, Kenya on the other hand is to close Dadaab camps in Northeastern region and expatriated almost half a million Somali refugees.
The security in Somalia may be tricky citing it’s headed to a crucial voting in August.
Uganda has about 6,000 soldiers in Somalia battling Al-Shabaab under AMISOM command in sector 1.
