US commends UPDF troops in Somalia for bravery and professionalism

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The United States Ambassador to Somalia, Richard Riley, has hailed the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) troops serving under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) for what he termed as their bravery, professionalism, and sacrifice in the fight against terrorism.

During a visit to the UPDF Sector One Level II Hospital in Mogadishu, Ambassador Riley commended the soldiers for their recent achievements, particularly in operations in Bariire.

“I thank you for your service, bravery, and commitment, and for all you have done for the people of Uganda and Somalia,” Ambassador Riley said. “Wherever you are, we are always thinking of you, and we are doing all we can to support you.”

US Ambassador to Somalia, H.E. Richard Riley, interacts with UPDF patients at level 11 hospital. (Courtesy)

A release from the US Embassy in Mogadishu states that the ambassador reaffirmed the US Embassy’s commitment to working closely with Uganda, describing the UPDF as “one of the most respected militaries in the world” for its professionalism and dedication.

Sector One Commander Brig. Gen. Joseph Musoke Ssemwanga expressed appreciation for the US government’s continued support in joint operations against Al-Shabaab. “We will forever appreciate the support the US gives us. Bancroft is always with us, and this keeps us going,” Brig. Gen. Ssemwanga said.

Bancroft Global Development is a US-based private military company that has a significant presence in Somalia, particularly in Mogadishu. They provide training and mentoring to the Somali National Army, specifically the Danab Brigade, and also offer support to the Somali Police Force and government prosecutors. Additionally, Bancroft has trained soldiers from the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

Capt. Dr Robert Obwapus, Commanding Officer of the Level II Hospital, noted that the facility serves not only soldiers but also the local Somali community under civil-military cooperation initiatives. As the largest referral hospital in Halane Basecamp, he said it has seen a steady increase in civilian patients seeking treatment.

Commanding officer, Level 11 hospital, Capt. Dr Robert Obwapus, briefing the H.E. Riley on the status of the hospital. (Courtesy)

Ambassador Riley's delegation included Matthew Younger, Political Economic Chief; Maj Luis Arauz, Security Cooperation Program Manager; and Mohamed Yussuf, Press and Media Coordinator at the US Embassy. Also present were Col John Mark Ssemanda, Sector One Administration Officer, and Capt. Ibrahim Kasule Sekitto, Sector One Public Information Officer, among others.

UPDF troops in a joint operation with the Somali National Armed Forces on Friday, August 8, captured Bariire town in the country’s lower Shabelle region from Al-Shabaab’s control.

The joint forces inflicted heavy casualties on Al-Shabaab terrorists, with over 100 Al-Shabaab killed, over injured 50 injured and capturing an assortment of military equipment.

The cache includes 30 submachine guns, 6 PKMs, 4 RPGs, 8 sniper rifles, and a cache of live ammunition.