UPDF, Somalia Forces conduct joint security patrol in Barawe sub-sector
The UPDF in a statement, noted that the joint operation, conducted on Saturday, July 11, 2026, was commanded by the Battle Group 45 Commander, Col Justus Musenene, together with his SNA counterpart, the 66 Brigade Commander, Col Abdurahman Elmi.
UPDF troops serving under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), together with the Somali National Army (SNA), conduct a joint security patrol in the Barawe Sub-Sector to strengthen peace and stability in the coastal town and surrounding areas. (Courtesy photo)
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Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) troops serving under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), alongside the Somali National Army (SNA), have conducted a joint security patrol in the Barawe Sub-Sector as part of efforts to enhance peace and stability in the coastal town and surrounding areas.
The UPDF in a statement, noted that the joint operation, conducted on Saturday, July 11, 2026, was commanded by the Battle Group 45 Commander, Col Justus Musenene, together with his SNA counterpart, the 66 Brigade Commander, Col Abdurahman Elmi.
Musenene said the patrol was aimed at strengthening security, reassuring local communities and denying space to Al-Shabaab militants operating in the area.
“This patrol shows teamwork, comradeship, and what we can achieve when we work together,” Musenene said.
(Courtesy)
The Battle Group Commander also warned Al-Shabaab fighters to abandon violence and surrender to government forces and AUSSOM troops.
“We know where you are, and we’re coming for you. The better option is to surrender yourselves if you want to be safe,” Musenene said.
Elmi echoed the message, calling on residents of Barawe to continue supporting security efforts by sharing information with the authorities.
Residents, who interacted with the patrol team, welcomed the joint security presence and pledged to continue working with security forces by providing relevant information to support peace and security.
The commanders from both forces said similar joint operations will continue to be conducted in the Barawe Sub-Sector to maintain pressure on security threats and create a conducive environment for peace and development.
The operation was attended by the Commanding Officer of the 145 Infantry Battalion, Lt. Col Geoffrey Ochan; Embresko Forward Operating Base Commander Maj. Francis Odede; Battle Group 45 Military Information Officer, Maj. David Akandwanaho, alongside other UPDF and SNA officers and troops.
The UPDF has maintained a continuous deployment in Somalia since 2007 (formerly under African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). Based primarily in Sector One, which includes Mogadishu, Barawe, and surrounding regions, UPDF battle groups conduct joint offensives against Al-Shabaab and carry out civil-military operations such as medical camps and infrastructure rehabilitation.