During Somalia visit, Ugandan MPs laud UPDF role in Al-Shabaab crackdown

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Parliamentarians from the republic of Uganda have lauded the significant role played by the Uganda People's Defense Forces [UPDF] in the ongoing crackdown against Al-Shabaab within Somalia, noting the successes recorded by military teams which are fighting hard to liberate the Horn of Africa nation.

The MPs, mainly from Defense committee, have been visiting UPDF troops to check on progress in their roles within the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS]. According to records, Uganda has close to 4,500 soldiers fighting Al-Shabaab in the country.

The MPs were led by the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs, Rosemary Nyakikorongo and accompanied by the State Minister for Defence in charge of Veterans Affairs, Huda Abason Oleru.

“We are here to assess the performance of our UPDF soldiers. To understand the contributions, challenges, and best the committee can support them”, said Nyakikorongo.

At Somalia, the delegation met special representative for African Union Commission boss and head of ATMIS Ambassador Mohammed El-Amine Souef who took over the roles last month. They visited some Forward Operating Bases located within the UPDF area of responsibility and met with the Somali Federal Minister of Defence and the Commander of the Somali National Army.

According to Mrs. Nyakikongoro, the Parliamentary committee would ensure adequate funding for Ugandan troops in Somalia to facilitate their operations against the Al-Shabaab. She noted that Uganda will forever support Somalia in the ongoing campaigns to completely dismantle Al-Shabaab.

“We have seen why it is necessary for Uganda to support Somalia as a sister country and will ensure the welfare of our soldiers is considered during the budget making process when we go back home,” she emphasized. She added that the Uganda Parliament will work with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to engage the African Union on the timely release of funds for AU troops in Somalia.

The State Minister for Defence in charge of Veterans Affairs, Huda Abason Oleru, praised the UPDF for their contributions to continental peace and security. “We are proud that you are doing a good job for Uganda, the continent of Africa and beyond. We thank you very much for your selfless service to the people of Somalia,” said Minister Abason Oleru.

Incidentally, their visitation comes just few months after the military court sentenced four UPDF soldiers over killing of seven civilians this year in Somalia, but their sentence were drastically reduced after the appeal. The government of Uganda said it will discipline soldiers who fail to live with the ideals of the peacekeeping mission.

GAROWE ONLINE