UPDF trains Somali national army troops in specialised weapons use

_________________

The Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) has completed a month-long organic support weapons course for 45 soldiers of the Somali National Army to boost security operations in Lower Shabelle.

In a statement shared on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, the UPDF said the soldiers, drawn from the 62 Battalion under the 06 Brigade, trained under UPDF Battle Group 43.

The programme was conducted at the Shalamboti Forward Operating Base under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia.

UPDF concludes specialised weapons training for 45 Somali soldiers in Lower Shabelle. (Courtesy)

Representing the Battle Group 43 Commander, the battle group military information officer, Major Silvan Manirinde, commended the trainees for their performance during the final field exercises.

“You have displayed discipline, bravery, and professionalism throughout this course. The expertise you have gained will greatly strengthen your capacity to confront threats from Al-Shabaab,” Maj. Manirinde said.

He emphasised the continued cooperation between the UPDF and the Somali National Army to enhance operational readiness and prepare for a smooth transfer of security responsibilities.

The Deputy Commander of the 06 Brigade, Maj. Bishar Ousma urged the graduates to apply their newly acquired skills to maintain combat readiness. He called on them to remain vigilant despite recent setbacks suffered by Al-Shabaab.

The Commanding Officer of the 133 Battalion, Major Zubairi Amson, praised the soldiers for their discipline and encouraged them to pass on the skills acquired to colleagues who did not attend the training.

“You are now force multipliers. Share these skills with your colleagues so that collectively you can secure Shalamboti and the wider Lower Shabelle region,” he said.

Security officials, including the Shalamboti Police Commander and a representative from the Marka District Commissioner’s office, attended the graduation ceremony alongside Battle Group 43 leaders and Somali security commanders.

Uganda was the first country to deploy troops under the African Mission in Somalia in March 2007 at the height of the Al-Shabaab insurgency, when the rebel group had overrun much of the country. The UPDF deployment led to key achievements such as securing the capital, Mogadishu, protecting civilians and helping the Somali government regain control of territory.

Its contributions also include securing key installations such as the airport and parliament, training Somali forces, providing humanitarian assistance and supporting efforts to stabilise the region.