Commander: UPDF survivors of Al-Shabaab raid, recovering well

MOGADISHU, Somalia - A number of Uganda People's Defense Forces [UPDF] soldiers who survived the Al-Shabaab attack in Somalia are recuperating well in hospital, the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS] Force Commander has said, adding that the setback will not affect the fight against the militants.

Last week, about 800 militants stormed the UPDF base at Bulo Marer, killing several soldiers and injuring others, in one of the worst raids in recent months. And Lt. General Sam Okiding says the injured soldiers are being treated in ATMIS Level II hospitals in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia.

“Lt Gen Okiding commended the soldiers for their bravery in fighting off Al-Shabaab militants and wished them quick recovery. He also extended his message of condolence to relatives and friends of those who died during the attack,” ATMIS said in a brief statement.

The ATMIS force commander was accompanied by the head of the United Nations Support Office in Somalia Dr. Aisa Kirabo Kacyira and other senior ATMIS officials. Bulo Marer is located about 120 kilometers Southwest of Mogadishu within the Lower Shabelle region.

According to sources, a number of UPDF soldiers managed to take shelter in a nearby Forward Operating Base. President Yoweri Museveni criticized the soldiers for "panicking" during the attack despite having an advantage over the militants, adding that the terror group "will pay for their actions".

On Monday, UPDF Land Force Commander Lt. General Kayanja Muhanga in the company of Somali National Army [SNA] chief General Odowaa Yusuf Rageh, agreed to implement a curfew along Afgoye and Barawe in Lower Shabelle as a measure to detect movements of the militants.

They also instructed commanders on the ground to, “agree with local leaders to put a ban on movement of vehicles and motorcycles at night. This will deny Alshabaab use of vehicles laden with bombs to attack our FOBs.”

UPDF has close to 4,500 soldiers serving in ATMIS, perhaps the largest component but Museveni accuses commanders of deploying "relatives and cooks" to Somalia to fight Al-Shabaab militants. The Somali National Army is set to take over security responsibilities once ATMIS troops start gradual withdrawal this month.

GAROWE ONLINE