MOGADISHU, Somalia, 23 December 2024-/African Media Agency (AMA)/- Ugandan troops serving with the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) have been honoured for his or her vital contributions to peace, safety, and stability within the nation.

The troopers from Battle Group XXXIX (39) had been awarded certificates and commemorative medals at an occasion attended by senior ATMIS and Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) officers.

“I want to thank them for the commitment, hard work, and zeal to maintain and implement the ATMIS mandate,” stated ATMIS Force Commander Lt. Gen. Sam Kavuma, who presided over the medal ceremony held in Mogadishu on Saturday. 

He added, “They have performed their duties diligently, and we have reason to thank God for the completion of their term. Today, we celebrate their achievements.” 

The Force Commander recommended the outgoing troops, led by Col. Benard Kashemeza, for his or her efforts in degrading Al-Shabaab, securing Main Supply Routes (MSRs) and inhabitants facilities, and supporting the capacity-building initiative of the Somali Security Forces (SSF) throughout the 13-month deployment in Somalia. 

Lt. Gen. Kavuma famous that Ugandan troops had introduced pleasure to each ATMIS and Uganda via their dedication and bravado. He urged the incoming troops to observe of their footsteps to make sure Somalia achieves long-term peace and safety. 

Battle Group XXXXII (42), led by Col. Cosea Kutesa, will exchange the outgoing troops. 

Battle Group 39 started operations in Somalia in November 2023, deploying to numerous Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) within the Banadir and Lower Shabelle areas, together with the primary AU basecamp and seaport in Mogadishu; Arbiska, Baledogle, Lantabur, and Al-Jazeera II and III. The troops additionally supported their counterparts in Ceel-Jaale, which was essential to advancing the ATMIS mandate. 

“The Battle Group remained steadfast even when Al-Shabaab attempted to attack its FOBs. They have protected and defended various localities and the population throughout their Area of Responsibility,” stated the outgoing Contingent Commander, Brig. Gen. Anthony Lukwago Mbuusi, emphasizing the troops’ essential function in fulfilling the ATMIS mandate. 

He added, “They have collaborated by conducting offensive operations with the Somali Security Forces. They have also safeguarded critical government infrastructure while guiding the Somali National Security Forces as well as contributing to regional stability by weakening the Al-Shabaab.” 

Also in attendance had been the incoming Contingent Commander, Brig. Gen. Joseph Musoke Ssemwanga and Uganda’s Defence Attaché to Somalia, Brig. Gen. Francis Chemo. 

Together with the Somali Security Forces, ATMIS Ugandan troopers have carried out profitable navy operations to disrupt and degrade Al-Shabaab, thereby denying them freedom of motion and motion. 

In addition to securing MSRs and inhabitants facilities, the outgoing battlegroup performed an important function in resolving clan conflicts, notably within the Lower Shabelle area, by facilitating reconciliation talks with native leaders and communities to make sure peace of their Area of Responsibility. 

Ugandan troops have been a part of the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia since 2007, working alongside forces from Burundi, Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Kenya to counter Al-Shabaab. 

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of ATMIS.

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Source : African Media Agency (AMA)

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