Uganda deploys extra troops to Somalia to fight Al-Shabaab

Uganda has Friday deployed extra troops to Somalia to help fight the Islamist militant group of Al-Shabaab.

The Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Wilson Mbadi, officiated at the send-off ceremony of Battle Group (BG) XXXV at Peace Support Operations Training Centre (PSO – TC) in Singo, Nakaseke district.

He appreciated the group for offering to serve in the spirit of patriotism and urged them to maintain discipline while in the Horn of Africa.

"Do the right job when you reach Somalia and make sure you return safely,” Gen Mbadi implored Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers leaving for the war-torn country.

UPDF has over 6,000 soldiers serving under the UN-backed African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) program.

Gen Mbadi noted that Al-Shabaab is a big problem. “You have to be so vigilant and make sure they have no freedom to create more terrorists," he said.

He encouraged the departing troops to practice what they have learnt while in Somalia since they are literally ambassadors of Uganda in Somalia.

"UPDF is built on the fundamentals of the discipline and selfless service. Be goodwill ambassadors while in Somalia," he said, urging them not to shame the nation but rather hold Uganda’s flag higher.

He also cautioned the troops against irresponsible behaviour which can lead to the spread of diseases like HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis and COVID-19.

He commended training partners at PSO – TC from the United Kingdom for helping in building the capacity of UPDF troops enroute to Somalia, saying such trainings brighten one’s war experience for present and future operations.

Mbadi closed the function by mentioning that over the years UPDF has built its capacity to defend the territorial integrity of Uganda and contribute to regional stability.

The Commander of Battle Group XXV Col BR Kashemeza was applauded for a job well done, according to the statement released by the army.

The Commandant of PSO - TC Brig Maximus Gumisiriza commended BG XXXV for being determined and focused.

He encouraged soldiers to maintain discipline, professionalism and flexibility while in Somalia.

According to Brig Gen Gumisiriza, BG XXXV acquired skills in artillery management, rake, mission enhancement, environmental awareness, basic combat and tactics, ideological orientation, and mindset change, among others.

Mbadi was flanked by the resident district commissioner Nakaseke district Fred Bamwine, the Commander of the 1st Infantry Division Maj Gen Sam Kawagga, training partners, and religious leaders, among others.

UN extends AMISOM mandate

In December 2021, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) adopted a resolution authorizing the deployment of AMISOM until March 2022.

AMISOM's mandate from the UNSC was set to expire on December 31, 2021, but the UNSC noted on Friday that the situation in Somalia continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security.

It, therefore, decided to authorise the African Union member States to maintain the deployment of AMISOM until March this year.

The extension meant that AMISOM would continue to take all necessary measures in full compliance with participating states' obligation under international law and in full respect of the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence and unity of Somalia, to carry out its mandate with the UN providing logistical support.

Before the extension, there was little sign that Somali security forces would be able to immediately step into the mission’s shoes were it to pull out on December 31.

There are five countries contributing troops to AMISOM and they are; Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti and Burundi.

AMISOM was deployed 14 years ago to fight Al-Shabaab’s Islamist insurgency and it has played a crucial role in stabilizing Somalia.

Its sudden withdrawal, analysts said, would therefore have emboldened the al-Shabaab terrorists to make advances, especially on the capital, Mogadishu.

The UPDF spokesperson Brig Felix Kulayigye said this month that the army will stay under the new mandate of the African Transition Mission in Somalia.

Kulayigye added that although there will be a scaling down of forces, the decision on which numbers to keep in Somalia or send there on a rotational basis will be determined after the official ending of the AMISOM.