News
UPDF troops in Somalia urged to consolidate security gains
Uganda was the first country to deploy troops to Somalia in March 2007 under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), playing a pivotal role in stabilising the country against al-Shabaab insurgents.
Col Justus Musenene addressing troops at the seaport. (Courtesy Photo)
By: Charles Etukuri, Journalist @New Vision
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Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) troops serving under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) have been urged to safeguard and consolidate the security gains achieved in the Barawe Sub-Sector.
The UPDF, in a statement released on Saturday, said the call was made by the Commander of Battle Group 45, Col Justus Musenene, during a visit by troops stationed at Seaport and Barawe Knoll Forward Operating Bases (FOBs), where he assessed their welfare and operational readiness.
Col Musenene commended the troops for their dedication to maintaining peace and stability in the area and encouraged them to remain vigilant while carrying out their duties.
“Continue serving with the same spirit of Pan-Africanism,” he said.
He emphasised the importance of discipline, professionalism, and strong comradeship among soldiers, describing them as critical ingredients for sustaining operational effectiveness and achieving mission success.
The Commanding Officer of the 145 Infantry Battalion, Lt Col Geoffrey Ochan, urged the troops to continue adhering to AUSSOM Standing Operating Procedures and to uphold the values and reputation of the UPDF while executing their responsibilities.
Col Musenene was accompanied by the Seaport FOB Commander, Maj. Samuel Eduku, the Barawe Knoll FOB Commander, Maj. George Obol, the Battle Group 45 Operations Officer, Maj. David Okema, the Military Information Officer, Maj. David Akandwanaho, the Administrative Officer, Maj. RT Mugabe, the Political Commissar, Maj. Emuron and other senior and junior officers.
An FOB is a secured military position used to support tactical operations and strategic objectives, often located near conflict zones.
He emphasised the importance of discipline, professionalism, and strong comradeship among soldiers, describing them as critical ingredients for sustaining operational effectiveness and achieving mission success.
The Commanding Officer of the 145 Infantry Battalion, Lt Col Geoffrey Ochan, urged the troops to continue adhering to AUSSOM Standing Operating Procedures and to uphold the values and reputation of the UPDF while executing their responsibilities.
Col Musenene was accompanied by the Seaport FOB Commander, Maj. Samuel Eduku, the Barawe Knoll FOB Commander, Maj. George Obol, the Battle Group 45 Operations Officer, Maj. David Okema, the Military Information Officer, Maj. David Akandwanaho, the Administrative Officer, Maj. RT Mugabe, the Political Commissar, Maj. Emuron and other senior and junior officers.
An FOB is a secured military position used to support tactical operations and strategic objectives, often located near conflict zones.
Uganda first to deploy in Somalia
Uganda was the first country to deploy troops to Somalia in March 2007 under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), playing a pivotal role in stabilising the country against al-Shabaab insurgents. Other countries' key troop-contributing countries include Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya, Egypt and Burundi.
The UPDF holds primary responsibility for Sector One, which is one of the most critical areas in Somalia. This includes Mogadishu (Benadir Region), and the UPDF controls significant parts of the capital city, Mogadishu, including the security of the international airport, State House and Parliament.
Uganda maintains a heavy presence in the Lower Shabelle region, focusing on securing key agricultural areas and towns.
UPDF forces hold and operate in key towns and strategic areas such as Mubarak Town, Darusalam, Awdheegle and its strategic bridge, Bariire and its strategic bridge, Sabiid, Caanole, and Hawaadley, among others.
Uganda was the first country to deploy troops to Somalia in March 2007 under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), playing a pivotal role in stabilising the country against al-Shabaab insurgents. Other countries' key troop-contributing countries include Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya, Egypt and Burundi.
The UPDF holds primary responsibility for Sector One, which is one of the most critical areas in Somalia. This includes Mogadishu (Benadir Region), and the UPDF controls significant parts of the capital city, Mogadishu, including the security of the international airport, State House and Parliament.
Uganda maintains a heavy presence in the Lower Shabelle region, focusing on securing key agricultural areas and towns.
UPDF forces hold and operate in key towns and strategic areas such as Mubarak Town, Darusalam, Awdheegle and its strategic bridge, Bariire and its strategic bridge, Sabiid, Caanole, and Hawaadley, among others.