Muhoozi visits UPDF in Somalia

By Vision Reporter

The UPDF Special Forces Commander Brig. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has commended the Ugandan and Somali troops for their recent decisive operation against the Al-Shabaab terrorist organization.

The operation code named 'Indian Ocean' succeeded in driving the terrorists out of their last strongholds in central Somalia.

Brig. Muhoozi said this last week while visiting UPDF troops in the newly liberated town of Bulo Marer, one of the major towns that were until recently still under the control of the terrorist group.

"I congratulate all the troops and commanders that participated in these battles. You have done well and made UPDF proud, but you must remain very vigilant and not take any chances. You must also guard against dangerous diseases such as Marbug and Ebola," cautioned Brig. Muhoozi.

The towns were captured early this month in an operation spearheaded by UPDF troops serving under AMISOM and the Somali National Army (SNA). Operation Indian Ocean was commanded by the Ugandan Contingent Commander in Somalia, Brig. Dick Olum.

Barawe, the last major town captured by Ugandan troops serving in AMISOM was Al-Shabaab's financial centre and main headquarters. It has not been under the control of the central government for the last 23 years. The loss of Barawe is a significant blow for the terrorist organization which will now be forced to utilize guerrilla tactics in order to have much effect.

The UPDF Special Forces played a leading role in the operation. The UPDF Special Forces have operated in Somalia since 2011 and participated in the decisive battles that liberated Mogadishu from the grip of the Al-shabaab that year.

In July 2010, Al Shabaab suicide bombers killed 76 soccer fans at Kyadondo rugby ground and Kabalagala who were watching the final game of the World Cup. In neighboring Kenya, the group has been blamed for a string of terrorist attacks, including the West Gate Mall attack in Nairobi late last year. Kampala has since been on high alert.