By Raymond Baguma
The contingent of UPDF troops who returned from Somalia last month have not yet received their pay for July and August, the defence minister has said.
Crispus Kiyonga added that some families of the dead soldiers had also not yet received their compesation of $50,000 (about sh100m) each.
“The money has been delayed by Addis Ababa because donors withheld funds over queries on expenditure. But in due course, they will be paid,†Kiyonga said, adding that even those who died and those who got injured will be paid.
He was on Wednesday speaking at a ceremony to welcome back the troops who recently returned from Somalia, where they served with the AU peacekeeping mission.
The ceremony was held at UPDF’s Rehabilitation Centre in Mubende.
Kiyonga said the Government has a ‘revolutionary duty’ to send its troops to the war-torn Somalia to liberate fellow Africans and restore political stability.
The contingent, code-named UGABAG III, returned in September after a nine-month stay in Mogadishu. The army rotates the troops in order to prevent battle fatigue.
The Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Aronda Nyakairima, said the contingent had exhibited discipline, promoted reconciliation and supported the elections during which Sheikh Shariff Ahmed was elected president.
“We posthumously congratulate our comrades who departed while serving in Somalia. We will support their families,†Nyakairima pledged.
He said Uganda would join France and Djibouti to train the Somalia security forces as a contribution to the pacification of the country.
The commander of the Land Forces, Lt. Gen. Katumba Wamala, said the UPDF contingent had performed within their mandate, saved lives and acquired valuable skills and exposure to peacekeeping.
The former contingent commander, Col. Jack Bakasumba, said they had carried out de-mining exercises, provided free medical care, safe water, escorted the World Food Programme relief trucks and supported dialogue between the warring sides.
“The tour of duty has exposed us to various disciplines. Professionally, we gained a lot. We are honoured and proud to have been part of AMISOM,†Col. Bakasumba said.