Gen. Okiding urges vigilance against al-Shabaab in Somalia
Okiding also asked the commanders to apply lessons from past missions to inform sound and timely decisions and emphasised the importance of discipline, courage, and force protection.
Speaking during a one-week (May 19-23, 2025) visit to assess the operational readiness and welfare of UPDF personnel, Okiding commended the soldiers for their commitment to peace and security in Somalia. (Credit: UPDF)
Vision Reporter
Journalist @New Vision
Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) deputy chief of defence forces Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding has called for unwavering vigilance among Ugandan troops deployed under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), urging them to remain resolute in combating al-Shabaab.
Speaking during a one-week (May 19-23, 2025) visit to assess the operational readiness and welfare of UPDF personnel, Okiding commended the soldiers for their commitment to peace and security in Somalia.
He delivered a tactical briefing focused on the defeat of al-Shabaab and underscored the importance of mental discipline, according to a statement by the UPDF.
Quoting the Book of Proverbs, he said, “Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts,” encouraging the troops to maintain a disciplined and focused mindset, the statement reads.
Okiding also asked the commanders to apply lessons from past missions to inform sound and timely decisions and emphasised the importance of discipline, courage, and force protection.
“Commanders must ensure the safety of their troops at all times,” he said.
Okiding also asked the commanders to apply lessons from past missions to inform sound and timely decisions and emphasised the importance of discipline, courage, and force protection. (UPDF Photo)
In a stern caution, Okiding warned against corruption and the misuse of mission resources.
“Soldiers must receive their rightful entitlements,” he said, reinforcing the UPDF’s zero-tolerance stance on mismanagement.
Morale boosted
Sector One commander Brig. Gen. Joseph Musoke Ssemwanga welcomed the visit as a significant morale boost for the troops.
Okiding was accompanied by deputy commander Land Force Maj. Gen. Francis Takirwa and Brigadier General Michael Kabongo, the Commandant of the Senior Command and Staff College, Kimaka.
Also in attendance were Deputy Sector One Commander Colonel Christopher Columbus Tumwine, Battle Group XLIII Commander Colonel Robert Koch, Battle Group XLIV Commander Colonel Awiny Akena, Contingent Administration Officer Colonel John Mark Ssemanda, along with other staff officers and soldiers.