UPDF General behind Al-Shabaab's fall in Mogadishu, dies in Uganda
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Staff reporter GAROWE ONLINE
- Posted On 22-08-2021, 08:35AM
KAMPALA, Uganda - One of the Uganda People's Defense Forces [UPDF] soldiers behind the imminent collapse of Al-Shabaab in Mogadishu has died in Uganda, the African Union Mission in Somalia [AMISOM] has confirmed while giving tributes following his service.
Major General Paul Lokech died on Saturday in Kampala after battling with an illness for a couple of months, it has since been established, but no further details were given with regard to his unfortunate demise.
In a statement, the AMISOM team, which is responsible for peace and stability in Somalia, hailed the officer for his "enduring legacy" in his stay within Somalia, which saw him effectively participate in the fight against Al-Shabaab militants.
"As a towering figure in the fight against armed militants, he leaves an enduring legacy that will never be forgotten," AMISOM said. "We hold his family, the UPDF, and the people of Uganda in prayers as we remember his incredible and valiant contributions to peace and stability of Somalia."
He first served as UPDF contingent commander between 2011-12 before returning to the Horn of Africa nation in 2017-18. He's one of few commanders who had served in Uganda twice, contrary to the rotational period of one year.
Former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, who was in charge when Al-Shabaab was run over in Mogadishu in 2011, also paid tributes to Maj. General Paul Lokech, terming him the "Lion of Mogadishu". Banadir region is in Lower Shabelle.
"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 tweet.
"Heartbreaking I had the great opportunity of working alongside him during his first tour in Somalia- he was a great commander and was committed to the task at hand in eradicating Al-Shabaab from Somalia’ he will be missed," added Iman Elman, one of logistics officers within Somali National Army [SNA].
UPDF has close to 4,500 troops in Somalia and Uganda was one of the countries that deployed troops to Somalia in 2007 when Al-Shabaab first struct. The UPDF is credited for displacing Al-Shabaab from several towns in Somalia.
GAROWE ONLINE
