UPDF troops honored in Somalia for brilliant role in Al-Shabab war

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Ugandan People's Defense Forces [UPDF] contingent working in Somalia continues to be honored for the sacrifice and commitment to help the country regain from years of civil war and terrorism, following the latest rewards for their "outstanding" service to the people of Somalia.

Troops from Battle Group 28, serving under AMISOM were awarded medals at a ceremony presided over by the AMISOM Force Commander. Lt. Gen. Diomede Ndegeya and attended by the Contingent Commander of Ugandan troops in Somalia, Brig. Gen. Don William Nabasa.

The soldiers, who are under the command of Col. Wilberforce Sserunkuma, the soldiers will soon rotate out of the mission, having completed their tour of duty, and will be replaced by Battle Group 31, commanded by Col. Francis Aragmoi.

Lt. Gen. Ndegeya praised the soldiers, who have concluded their tour of duty in Somalia for their gallantry, leading to the capture of several key bridge towns, such as Awdhegle and Janaale in the Lower Shabelle region of Somalia, from the militant group Al-Shabaab, and winning the hearts and minds of the local communities by implementing Quick Impact Projects (QIPs).

“I want to thank the Battle Group 28 Commander and his staff, and the troops of the whole battlegroup for a job well done in operational activities, CIMIC Quick Impact Projects, and in fighting COVID-19,” Lt. Gen. Ndegeya said at the ceremony held on Monday in Mogadishu, Somalia.

Ndegeya added that the Mission leadership recognizes and appreciates the efforts of the Battle Group in capturing and holding the bridge towns and other daunting operations that they conducted, alongside the Somali National Army, despite the Covid-19 pandemic.

The outgoing Battle Group was operating in the Lower Shabelle region conducting targeted military operations against the Al-Shabaab in the areas of Ceeljaale, Shalambot, Mashalay, Qoryoley, Buufow, and Marka among others.

The Force Commander urged the in-coming Battle Group 31 to emulate the outgoing Battle Group by performing even better, especially through community engagement initiatives, protection of civilians, and in opening and securing the main supply routes, to ensure the free movement of goods and services.

Col. Sserunkuma, commended his troops for swiftly adapting to their new environment, and continuing to implement the mission’s mandate, amid challenges brought about by the covid-19 pandemic, resulting in troops serving on the mission for extra five months.

“The period of a year and five months in the mission area has been quite a testing and challenging experience in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic that came along with various restrictions,” Col. Sserunkuma said but lauded his troops for adapting to the situation.

Brig. Gen. Nabasa, later on, presided over a handover ceremony in which Col. Sserunkuma handed over instruments of power to Col. Aragamoi.

“I pledge and commit, with the support of the Sector One Commander, to take up the mantle,” said Col. Aragamoi.

“We must work with the civilian population and support them. We must mentor our brothers- the SNA and other Somali Security Forces so that when we leave, we know that our efforts were not wasted,” said Brig. Gen. Nabasa.

GAROWE ONLINE