The first contingent of the Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF) returned to Uganda on 2 November 2026, ending a deployment that began in 2007. According to AllAfrica, the soldiers came home with pride after fulfilling their objective to help stabilize Somalia. President Yoweri Museveni originally ordered the troops to support the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) of Somalia, a body formed in Nairobi with the backing of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).
The decision to intervene was initially met with heavy doubt. Opposition figure Semujju Nganda appeared on the CBS FM program Kiriza Oba Ggaana to voice his skepticism. He stated that he would kill a chicken for every soldier who died in what he called a flawed mission. His remarks attracted widespread condemnation from citizens and political rivals, who viewed the comments as disrespectful to the families of fallen troops. Despite this backlash, Museveni proceeded with the deployment, citing pan-Africanist principles and faith in the military.
The UPDF performed the initial, dangerous groundwork before other nations, including Kenya, Ethiopia, Burundi, Djibouti, and the United States, joined the mission. AllAfrica reported that the Ugandan forces drove Al-Shabaab fighters out of Mogadishu in 2007. Later operations liberated Buula Burde in March 2014, Bariire Town, and several Lower Shabelle locations such as Awdheegle, Sadiid, Anole, Mubrak Town, and Darusalaam by March 2026. Somalia is now experiencing a business resurgence, with Mogadishu developing into a commercial center and reconstruction efforts advancing rapidly.
The campaign resulted in significant losses. AllAfrica noted that the country honors those who died, particularly during the Bulo Marer Base attack on 26 May 2023. This incident, where militants used suicide car bombs to assault the base, was the deadliest single event, claiming 54 lives according to Museveni. Another major clash occurred on 1 September 2015, at Janaale Base, where insurgents destroyed a bridge to cut off reinforcements, causing heavy casualties. The publication stated that the UPDF successfully completed its mission to combat Al-Shabaab and support stability.