Barawe, Lower Shabelle, Somalia — October 30, 2026 Reports of Uganda’s planned troop withdrawal from Somalia have raised security concerns in Barawe, a coastal town in the Lower Shabelle region where Ugandan forces have been operating as part of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, announced on October 29, 2026, that Uganda had begun withdrawing its troops from Somalia after nearly two decades of military involvement in the country. In a post on X, Kainerugaba said Uganda was handing over security responsibilities to Somali forces, referring to the years of sacrifice and bloodshed during its military presence in Somalia. However, he did not provide details about the number of troops being withdrawn, the specific locations affected, or the official withdrawal timetable. Barawe Under Close Watch Reports published on October 28 and 29 have raised questions about the possible impact of Uganda’s troop withdrawal on Barawe, Buulo Mareer, Qoryooley and Janaale in the Lower Shabelle region. The reported developments have prompted concerns about who will take over military bases and security responsibilities if Ugandan forces leave these areas. However, there has been no independent confirmation that Ugandan troops have officially withdrawn from Barawe, begun dismantling their tents, or that additional reinforcements are heading to the town. These reports require verification from AUSSOM, the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF), or local authorities. Somalia’s President Reportedly Sought to Delay the Withdrawal Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni in Entebbe on October 26. According to reports, the discussions focused on Somalia’s security situation, the fight against Al-Shabaab, and cooperation between the two countries. Other reports indicated that the Somali president wanted Ugandan forces to remain in Somalia for longer to give Somali security forces more time to prepare to assume responsibility for security. However, no new agreement officially extending the deployment of Ugandan troops has been publicly confirmed in the information available. What Could Happen if Ugandan Troops Leave? If the withdrawal affects military bases in Lower Shabelle, ensuring a smooth security handover will be critical. Potential security gaps: If departing troops are not replaced in an orderly manner, some areas could experience reduced security coverage. Civilian safety: Residents of Barawe and nearby communities need clear, verified information about the security situation and the military transition. Transfer of responsibility: Somalia’s federal government and AUSSOM will need to coordinate the handover to ensure that the withdrawal does not undermine civilian protection or operations against Al-Shabaab. Latest Situation As of October 30, 2026, Uganda’s military chief has announced the start of the country’s troop withdrawal from Somalia. However, the specific situation in Barawe, including whether troops stationed there have begun leaving and whether residents are experiencing increased insecurity, has not been independently verified. Conclusion: Barawe remains an area to watch closely as Uganda’s withdrawal plans develop. However, it is important to distinguish the general announcement of a withdrawal from confirmed developments on the ground. Claims that Ugandan troops have officially left Barawe or that new security incidents have occurred should be verified before being reported as established facts.