Newly deployed police officers conclude AMISOM induction training

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) has concluded a four- day induction training for 160 newly deployed police officers from Uganda, to acquaint them with their new work environment.

The training for the Uganda Formed Police Unit (FPU) contingent 9, is to enable the officers to deliver on the AMISOM mandate. The new contingent is headed by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Hellen Obol.

AMISOM Police Commissioner, Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP), Augustine Kailie urged the newly deployed officers to serve diligently and discharge their duties in accordance with the rules and regulations governing the mission.

AIGP Kailie hailed the Uganda government for deploying for the first time a female FPU Contingent Commander. He reminded the officers that they are here for peacekeeping and urged them to maintain cordial relations with the host communities.

Additionally, AIGP Kailie urged the newly deployed officers to emulate their predecessors-Uganda FPU8, who he noted were disciplined and professional, with no case of misconduct brought against them.

Speaking at the event held in Mogadishu, Somalia on Wednesday, and attended by members of the AMISOM Police Senior Leadership Team (SLT), AIGP Kailie emphasized the need for the officers to observe Covid-19 protocols at all times.

On his part, Daniel Ali Gwambal, the AMISOM Police Coordinator for Operations thanked the induction team for a job well done and urged the newly deployed officers to adapt quickly to their new assignments.

Other officers present included, Lt. Col Willy Ndyomugabe, the Commander Special Operations and Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Shehu G Ahmed, the Contingent Commander of the Nigeria Formed Police Unit (NFPU).

In order to help build the necessary capacity to maintain law and order and observe rule of law, AMISOM Police provides operational support, including training and mentoring to the Somali Police Force.

Zambia, Uganda, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone are the six Police Contributing Countries (PCCs) to the African Union Mission in Somalia.

The AMISOM Police is made up of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), Individual Police Officers (IPOs), and the Formed Police Units (FPUs). Presently, AMISOM Police has deployed four Formed Police Units in Somalia from Uganda, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Ghana.

The FPUs play a crucial role in ensuring improved security in the liberated areas through joint patrols with the Somali Police Force (SPF), assisting in Public Order Management and provision of VIP escorts as well as providing protection to AU Individual Police Officers (IPO) to co-locate with the SPF in as many police stations as possible.

AMISOM police component has the mandate to train, mentor, monitor, and advice the Somali Police Force (SPF) with the aim of transforming it into a credible and effective organization adhering to strict international standards.