AUSSOM, UPDF extend humanitarian outreach in liberated Lower Shabelle

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The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), operating under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), in collaboration with partners, on April 12, 2026, conducted a Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) outreach in the recently liberated town of Mubarak in Lower Shabelle.

In a statement, the army said it delivered humanitarian assistance and medical services to local communities.

“During the exercise, essential relief items were distributed to more than 300 households. The supplies included food, household essentials, and medical items. A medical camp was also established, where troops treated residents suffering from common ailments,” the statement said.

(Courtesy)

(Courtesy)

Sector One Commander, Brigadier General Jackson Kayanja, said the intervention was aimed at supporting communities most affected by conflict while strengthening trust and cooperation between civilians and security forces.

“This outreach is part of our broader CIMIC efforts to support stabilisation in newly secured areas, enhance collaboration with local communities, and create conditions necessary for recovery,” he said.

Battle Group 44 Commander, Colonel Owinyi Akena, commended the Sector One leadership and partners for their continued support to the local population in Mubarak.

He emphasised that AUSSOM would maintain close cooperation with Somali security forces to further degrade Al-Shabaab and its operational capabilities.

The event was attended by the Deputy Commander of the Somali National Army Land Forces, Brigadier General Abdullahi Ciro, alongside AUSSOM and Somali National Army Forces troops, international partners, asset commanders, and both senior and junior officers, among other stakeholders.

The UPDF was the first military force to deploy in Somalia under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) in March 2007. Led by the initial Uganda Battle Group One under the command of the late Brigadier Paul Lokech, who died at the rank of Lieutenant General in August 2021, the troops landed in Mogadishu to battle Al-Shabaab insurgents.

The UPDF was initially the only force in the war-torn city, securing key installations such as Mogadishu Airport, the seaport, and the city centre. It has since been joined by forces from Kenya, Burundi, Ethiopia, among other nations working to restore peace in Somalia.

Uganda has, however, consistently maintained a large presence, currently operating in Sector One, which includes the Banadir and Lower Shabelle regions.