Ugandan troops in Somalia lauded for contributions to Al-Shabaab war

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Uganda People's Defense Forces [UPDF] contingent which has been serving in African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS] has been lauded for "special" contributions in the agitation for peace in Somalia and courage in fighting Al-Shabaab militants who control several parts of the country.

Battle Group 35, whose mandate ended over the weekend, will pave way for another contingent that will join a 22,000-strong force as Somalia prepares for the second phase of operations against Al-Shabaab particularly in Galmadug and HirShabelle states where the militants are dominant.

Maj. Gen. Peter Kimani Muteti, the Ag. ATMIS Force Commander, lauded the team for professionalism throughout their Tour of Duty, noting that UPDF has been instrumental in the liberation of various strategic towns across Somalia, including but not limited to Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia.

"The deployment of Battle Group 35 was quite a testing and challenging experience, but the courage and resilience they displayed represent the finest values of professionalism in soldiering. The ATMIS leadership genuinely appreciates the work ethic and culture of the troops, a trait earned as a result of UPDF's strong background in military training," he told the troops.

In 2007, Uganda became the first country to deploy troops in Somalia under African Union Mission in Somalia [AMISOM] which has since changed its name to ATMIS. At that time, over 3,000 Ugandan soldiers were deployed to the country and would later be joined by soldiers from Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Burundi.

Despite significant gains by the Ugandan contingent, there have been concerns about their accountability, with at least three soldiers convicted recently of killing innocent civilians. Also, ATMIS has been experiencing financial difficulties with sponsors such as AU, European Union, and the United States delaying the disbursement of funds.

ATMIS Sector One Commander Brig. Gen. Peter Omola lauded the soldiers for helping Somali National Army [SNA] effectively battle with Al-Shabaab around Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia. The outgoing battalion, which has completed its one-year tour of duty under the command of Col. Benard Kashemeza, will be replaced by Battle Group 38, led by Col. Christopher Berochan.

"I want, in a special way, to thank Battle Group 35 for the sacrifices and dedication towards the restoration of peace in Somalia." The outgoing battalion, Battle Group 35, was responsible for securing Baraawe and Beled Amiin sub-sectors and operated from multiple forward operating bases.
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President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud asked for reinforcement recently from Kenya, Djibouti, and Ethiopia as the country prepares for the second phase of the Al-Shabaab crackdown. Ugandan regimental units operate in Sector I which frequently experiences attacks from the weakened Al-Qaida-associated group.

GAROWE ONLINE