The Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) is reviewing its commitment to the African Union Mission in Somalia (Amisom) and the Central African Republic missions, the military spokesman Lt Col Paddy Ankunda said Friday.
There had been reports that the UPDF High Command sitting on Wednesday had given instructions to military chiefs to arrange for the withdrawal of Ugandan peacekeepers after paymasters the European Union announced that it would slash its support to AMISOM by 20 percent this year.
Amisom soldiers receive a monthly allowance of $828 (about Shs3 million) after their respective governments deduct a $200 (about Shs700, 000) administrative cost per soldier. Uganda supplies more than 6,000 soldiers to the African Union mission, making it the largest contingent.
“For now Uganda, is reviewing UPDF involvement in AMISOM,” Lt Col Paddy Ankunda said.
“The decision to withdraw not yet taken. a special committee has been constituted and its recommendations will be followed.
Uganda and Burundi have been in Somalia longest — eight years. In 2007, months after the AU had voted for a mission to Somalia, there were no takers.
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