Former Somali president attended the funeral of UPDF General Paul Lokech

KAMPALA, Uganda - Former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed on Friday attended the funeral of General Paul Lokech, the gallant military soldier associated with the capture of Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, which was at one time a stronghold of Al-Shabaab.

General Paul Lokech was on Friday interred in Acholi region of Uganda, his ancestral home, where he was very popular at least based on the turnout of his funeral. President Yoweri Museveni was among those who facilitated the burial.

Sharif Sheikh Ahmed was the president when General Paul Lokech led a contingent of Uganda People's Defense Forces [UPDF] when they ran over the Al-Shabaab militants, who have taken control of the town at that time.

When he died, President Sharif, Sheikh Ahmed was one of the first Somali leaders to send his message of condolences, noting the contributions of the soldier, who is strictly respected in Uganda.

"Our heartfelt condolences to H.E Kaguta Museveni and the people of Uganda on the passing of Maj Gen Paul Lokech. A great friend of Somalia, The “Lion of Mogadishu” played a massive role in defeating Al-Shabab. He will not be forgotten," he said.

In a past interview, General Lokech, who served from 2011-12 and 2017-18, narrated how he fetched Sharif Sheikh Ahmed from the presidential palace, where Al-Shabaab was about to attack, in a move that was geared towards taking over Somalia.

"One of my sophisticated operations was when President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed asked me to come and take him from the presidential palace. It was one of my mission that I will never forget, but we live to protect our people," he said.

"That was my mission that was a bit challenging. The Al-Shabaab was almost in control of Mogadishu. We targeted all tall buildings and eventually managed to seize Mogadishu. The Al-Shabaab left the city and I am proud to be associated with that," he said.

General Lokech, who was Deputy Inspector General of Police, died last week after suffering from a blood clot. He has been mourned across the country, with many associating his gains with the liberation of Mogadishu from Al-Shabaab.

GAROWE ONLINE