At least 625 Ugandan soldiers arrived in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu to begin their tour of duty, bolstering security in line with UN efforts of bring peace and stability to the war-torn Horn of African Nation.
According to The UN Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), the newly deployed and enlisted UPDF troops who are part of the UN Guard Unit will be tasked in ensuring the security of UN staffers in their compound and in the capital city, Mogadishu.
The Commander of Uganda’s Land Forces called on the soldiers to focus on their mission and while on their duties to promote the spirit of comradeship. The troops will be in their tour of duty for the next one year.
The incoming protection unit, known as UNGU VI, due to it being the sixth such rotation, comprises of soldiers from the Uganda People’s Defense Forces with 625 soldiers and enlisted troops, and includes 86 women officers.
The arrival of the Ugandan troops comes days after the Al-Qaeda affiliate Al-Shabaab claimed the Wednesday’s attack on Mogadishu Mayor’s office was intended to target senior UN envoy in Somalia.
