'UPDF will not interfere with the internal affairs of Somalia'

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The Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) on Thursday, June 4, 2026, said they will not interfere with the internal affairs of Somalia in the wake of renewed fighting by different factions opposed to a move by the current president, Sheikh Hassan Mohamud’s unconstitutional extension of his term of office and attempts to centralise power.

The acting Defence Public Information director, Col. Chris Magezi, said they would stick to their mandate under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which is to degrade Al-Shabaab and ISIL affiliates, protect civilians, and build the capacity of the Somali Security Forces (SSF).

“The internal affairs of Somalia are outside the scope of the UPDF mandate in the country under AUSSOM,” Magezi told New Vision.

His comments come in the wake of renewed fighting after Somali nationals took up arms to fight the government of Mohamud and his Turkish supporters.

Heavy fighting broke out in Mogadishu and Baidoa on Wednesday after President Mohamud announced a one-year extension of his presidential term. President Mohamud's term in office ended on May 15 this year.

Following the expiry of the president's term, the federal government and the opposition started talks but did not reach an agreement. The extension, backed by parliamentary constitutional changes, was rejected by the opposition. This triggered severe armed clashes between government forces and opposition-allied militias.

Various opposition leaders and groups are resisting his unconstitutional extension of his term of office and attempts to centralise power. Sheikh Sharif (former President), Hassan Ali Khaire (former Prime Minister) are some of the leaders said to be opposing Mohamud's actions.

Mohamud has been attempting to move Somalia towards democratic elections, replacing a system in which clan elders choose Members of Parliament, who in turn select a president. Somalia last held a one-person-one-vote election in 1969, and the country has been ravaged by civil war for more than 30 years.

President Mohamud was elected as the 10th President of Somalia on May 15, 2022. He defeated the then incumbent president, Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed ("Farmaajo"), during a marathon parliamentary session in Mogadishu, securing 214 votes against his rival's 110 votes in the final round.

This historic victory marked Mohamud's return to the presidency. He previously served as the 8th President from 2012 to 2017, making him the first leader in Somalia's history to be re-elected for a second, non-consecutive term.

Uganda was the first country to deploy troops in Somalia in March 2007 under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), playing a pivotal role in stabilising the country against al-Shabaab insurgents. Other key troop-contributing countries include Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya, Egypt and Burundi.

The UPDF holds primary responsibility for Sector One, which is one of the most critical areas in Somalia. This includes Mogadishu (Benadir Region). The UPDF also controls significant parts of the capital city, Mogadishu, including the security of the international airport, State House and Parliament.

Uganda maintains a heavy presence in the Lower Shabelle region, focusing on securing key agricultural areas and towns.

UPDF forces hold and operate in key towns and strategic areas such as; Mubarak Town, Darusalam, Awdheegle and its strategic bridge, Bariire and its strategic bridge, Sabiid, Caanole, and Hawaadley, among others.

Relatedly, the UPDF Air Force plays a significant role in managing and securing the airport in Mogadishu.