Ugandan and Somali troops conduct joint Lower Shabelle tour to boost security

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Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) troops serving under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) conducted a guided tour of the Somali National Army (SNA) 66 Brigade Headquarters in Barawe sub-sector, Lower Shabelle region, alongside their SNA counterparts.

The visit, led by SNA 66 Brigade Commander Col Liiban Yuusuf Gare, aimed to reinforce cooperation between the two forces in maintaining peace and stability in the region.

Col Liiban commended the UPDF troops for their discipline and professionalism, noting that civilians had praised their conduct during operations. “Civilians are commending the ways of your work, and I appeal to you to maintain that spirit,” he said.

SNA 66 Brigade Commander, Col Liiban Yuusuf Gare. (Courtesy)

UPDF Battle Group XLV Commander, Col Justus Musenene. (Courtesy)

UPDF Battle Group XLV Commander, Col Justus Musenene and Gare. (Courtesy)

UPDF Battle Group XLV Commander, Col Justus Musenene, highlighted the importance of joint efforts in ensuring stability in Barawe. He said the tour offered a chance to assess the SNA’s combat readiness and operational capabilities in countering Al-Shabaab threats.

“The stability of Barawe sub-sector requires collective efforts, cooperation, and mutual support among all stakeholders,” Col Musenene said.

The delegations included commanding officers, as well as senior and junior officers from both the UPDF and SNA, reflecting the commitment of both forces to collaborative security operations.