Somalia's Bulo Marer district commissioner, Muhidin Khalif Alio, on Sunday, March 10, 2024, commended the Uganda army for their contribution not only towards the restoration of peace and security in Somalia but also to the wellbeing of Somalis.

The Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF) is serving under the African Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) mandate. UPDF in a statement says Khalif, made the commendation while attending the joint security meeting at ATMIS Forward Operating Base in Bulo Marer.

“You have been with us not only in the fight against negative elements but also when we are hit with vagaries of nature,” Khalif said.

Among the key issues discussed in the joint stakeholder meeting, included designing the road map to safeguarding the Holy Month of Ramadan, which started on March 11, 2024 and the need to reopen the water channels before the rain season starts to prevent the effects of floods.

In this regard, the meeting resolved to jointly share information with security forces so that quick action is taken in case of any eventuality. The call for ATMIS to provide a tractor for opening the drainage channels was mooted.

On behalf of Sector One Commander Brig Gen Anthony Lukwago Mbuusi, ATMIS Zulu Battalion commanding officer Maj Don Naijuka, based in Bulo Marer, provided food stuffs to the Bulo Marer Muslim Community to help during fasting in the Holy Month of Ramadan.

Meanwhile in Arbiska, 30km northeast of Mogadishu city, ATMIS Forces continue providing neighbouring Somali communities and Internally Displaced People’s Camps with safe drinking water and electricity. This is done to maintain the civil military relations and enhance the standard of living of the people.