UPDF contingent in Somalia changes command
The handover and takeover ceremony at Sector One headquarters in Somalia was presided over by the UPDF Land Forces Commander, Lieutenant General Kayanja Muhanga, who underscored Uganda’s commitment to regional peace and security beyond its borders.
Group photo with outgoing and incoming commanders and senior officers. (Courtesy)
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Brigadier General Jackson Kayanja assumed leadership of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) contingent serving under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
As the new Contingent Commander, Kayanja received the office on Friday, December 19, from Brigadier General Joseph Ssemwanga Musoke, who completed his tour of duty.
Commander Land Forces (CLF), Lt Gen. Muhanga Kayanja, inspecting the guard of Honour at Sector One headquarters. (Courtesy)
Commander Land Forces (CLF) witnessing a change of command as Brig. Gen. Joseph Musoke Ssemwang hands over the office to the incoming CONTICO Brig. Gen. Jackson Kayanja. (Courtesy)
The handover and takeover ceremony at Sector One headquarters in Somalia was presided over by the UPDF Land Forces Commander, Lieutenant General Kayanja Muhanga, who underscored Uganda’s commitment to regional peace and security beyond its borders.
“Uganda is a country that believes in Pan-Africanism. We cannot sit back when our neighbours are suffering, and that is why we are here,” Lt Gen. Muhanga said.
Lt Gen. Kayanga Muhanga decorating outgoing Contingent Commander, Brig. Gen. Ssemwanga Musoke. (Courtesy)
Lt Gen. Kayanja Muhanga, Commander Land Forces (CLF), witnessing the handover event as Brigadier General Joseph Ssemwanga Musoke (left) receives the national flag from Brigadier General Jackson Kayanja. (Courtesy)
A release from the Ministry of Defence and Veterans' Affairs (MoDVA) states that Muhanga commended the outgoing Contingent Commander, Brig. Gen. Ssemwanga Musoke, for his leadership and contribution to stability in Somalia, particularly during Operation Silent Storm, which targeted Al-Shabaab elements in the Lower Shabelle region.
Lt Gen. Muhanga urged the incoming Contingent Commander, Brig. Gen. Kayanja to build on the gains achieved, with a focus on maintaining security in Mogadishu while upholding professionalism, discipline, and commitment to duty.
While handing over the office, Brig. Gen. Ssemwanga thanked the UPDF leadership, fellow commanders, and mission partners for the support throughout his tenure, while on his part, Brig. Gen. Kayanja pledged to build upon his predecessor’s work and prioritise professionalism and discipline within the contingent.
The ceremony was attended by AUSSOM Force Commander Lt Gen. Sam Kavuma, Defence Attaché Brig. Gen. Francis Chemo, Sector One Deputy Commander, Col Francis Aragamoi, Director of Intelligence Services–Land Forces, Col Albert Kashakamba, Battle Group Commanders, and other senior and junior officers.
Uganda was the first country to deploy 1,600 troops in the Horn of Africa nation under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) on March 6, 2007.
AMISOM was later replaced by the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and AUSSOM.
Currently, five countries, namely Uganda, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya and Egypt, are operating under the new African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), whose mandate took effect on January 1, 2025.
The mission, which is expected to have 11,900 civil military personnel tasked with supporting the Somali National Army (SNA) as it gradually assumes full security responsibility, with the ultimate goal of handing over security to the country’s armed forces by December 2029.