Col Aragamoi moves to Somalia as new Deputy Commander of UPDF contingent

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Colonel Francis Obita Aragamoi has been appointed as the new deputy contingent commander of Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) troops serving under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

He is replacing Colonel Christopher Colombus Tumwine.

The official handover ceremony took place on Saturday at the contingent headquarters in Mogadishu Capital.

Presiding over the events, Brigadier General Joseph Ssemwanga, the contingent commander, commended Col Tumwine’s leadership, notably his pivotal role in reclaiming the Sabiid-Anole Forward Operating Base from Al-Shabaab insurgents.

“Our presence here reflects Uganda’s commitment to Pan-Africanism and peace across the continent. Stability in Somalia is critical for the safety and progress of all African nations,” said Brig Gen Ssemwanga, according to a release from the UPDF communications office.

While handing over the office, Col Tumwine expressed pride in the milestones achieved during his command and extended gratitude to the leadership for their guidance and support.

Col Aragamoi upon assuming his new role, pledged to sustain the momentum. “I will build on the progress made and ensure continuity in our mission objectives,” he stated.

Commanders, contingent staff officers, component commanders, department heads, and both senior and junior officers attended the events.

Fact File

In March 2007, Uganda was the first country to deploy peacekeepers in Somalia and was later joined by Burundi, Kenya, Ethiopia and Djibouti, among others, all working under the African Union with support from the European Union to fight the al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabab group.

The forces have since weakened and defeated the Al-Shabab, pushing them out of the city of Mogadishu and other key towns in Somalia.

AUSSOM is a multidimensional AU-led peace support mission approved by the United Nations (UN).

The new mission was endorsed by the AU Peace and Security Council on August 1 2024 and subsequently authorised by the UN Security Council (UNSC) on December 27 2024, under Resolution 2767, for an initial period of 12 months.

AUSSOM replaced the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and came into effect on January 1 2025.