# Uganda Begins Withdrawing Troops From Somalia as African Union Plans Four New Bases

*Wednesday, November 4, 2026 at 8:06 PM UTC — Hamer Intelligence Services Desk*

**Published**: 2026-11-04T20:06:57.161Z (3h ago)
**Category**: conflict | **Region**: Africa
**Importance**: 8/10
**Sources**: OSINT
**Permalink**: https://hamerintel.com/data/articles/22490.md
**Source**: https://hamerintel.com/summaries

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**Deck**: Uganda has started pulling its soldiers out of Somalia under a phased plan, while African Union peacekeepers prepare to set up four new bases in the country.

Uganda has begun withdrawing its military forces from Somalia, opening a new chapter in the long-running effort to transfer security responsibilities to Somali authorities.

A statement on 4 November said the first contingent of Ugandan troops deployed under a phased withdrawal operation has already returned home. The pullout of additional forces deployed under bilateral arrangements is also scheduled, according to the same announcement.

Regional media report that African Union peacekeepers intend to establish four bases in Somalia as Ugandan units depart. Those new positions are meant to adjust the peacekeeping footprint to the reduced number of foreign troops while trying to hold key ground.

The timing coincides with signs of renewed militant activity in the north of the country. In Puntland, al‑Shabaab has restarted attacks against government forces after a long pause. Since 19 October, the group has carried out two improvised explosive device attacks and a mortar strike near Galgala, killing at least one Puntland soldier. These are described as al‑Shabaab’s first known operations against Puntland government forces in several years.

The parallel trends – a drawdown of Ugandan troops and al‑Shabaab testing government positions in Puntland – create fresh uncertainty about how far Somali forces and remaining African Union units can stretch.

The security transition also matters beyond Somalia’s borders. Past instability has spilled into neighbouring countries and affected international targets, which is why regional states have maintained troops in Somalia for years.

Indicators to watch now include how quickly the African Union sets up and staffs its four planned bases, how Somali units perform in areas formerly held by Ugandan forces, and whether al‑Shabaab steps up larger attacks as it did after previous drawdowns.