UPDF troops in Somalia praised for Pan-African spirit
In a statement, the UPDF noted that the visit, focusing on troops under Battle Group XLI, aimed to assess their readiness, morale, and capacity to confront Al-Shabaab insurgents in Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region.
Brigadier General Joseph Ssemwanga, Sector One Commander under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), speaking to UPDF soldiers. (Courtesy)
By Charles Etukuri
Journalists @New Vision
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Brigadier General Joseph Ssemwanga, Sector One Commander under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), on May 5, 2025, concluded a three-day operational tour of Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) Forward Operating Bases in the Barawe and Beldamin sectors.
In a statement, the UPDF noted that the visit, focusing on troops under Battle Group XLI, aimed to assess their readiness, morale, and capacity to confront Al-Shabaab insurgents in Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region.
While addressing the soldiers, Brig Gen Ssemwanga emphasised the importance of discipline, vigilance, and building strong ties with local communities to help achieve lasting peace in accordance with AUSSOM’s objectives.
He commended the troops for their continued commitment to peacekeeping and regional stability. “Your resilience, patriotism, and commitment to Pan-Africanism have yielded visible achievements despite the difficult conditions,” he said.
Brig. Gen. Ssemwanga also conveyed messages of gratitude and encouragement from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the UPDF’s Commander-in-Chief; Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Chief of Defence Forces; and Lieutenant General Kayanja Muhanga, Commander of Land Force. All praised the troops for their steadfast service since Uganda’s initial deployment to Somalia in March 2007.
In addition, he applauded Colonel Michael Walaka Hyeroba, Commander of Battle Group XLI, and his leadership team for their strategic role in countering Al-Shabaab.
The commander was accompanied on the tour by senior officers from the Sector One Headquarters.
Uganda was the first country to deploy troops under the African Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) in March 2007 to combat Al-Shabaab terrorists who had taken control of the country. The Ugandan contingent remains the largest within AUSSOM, stationed in Sector One, which comprises the Banadir (Mogadishu), Middle, and Lower Shabelle regions.
Other countries contributing troops to the mission include Kenya, Burundi, Djibouti, and Ethiopia.