The Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) has announced that it would be suspending any pending rotations of its troops in Somalia in an effort to curb the spread of the deadly COVID-19 Virus. The announcement comes as a soldier tested positive for the disease.
Brig. Richard Karemire said the decision to suspend rotation is one of “critical” measures in curbing the spread of COVID-19, which has ravaged the war-torn nation, causing fears among stakeholders and residents.
While the UPDF has not announced for how long the standing order will be in effect it has been deemed as a necessary measure to protect the troops deployed in Somalia fighting against al Shabaab as well as curbing the spread of the disease in Somalia.
Uganda is one of the Africa Union Mission in Somalia [AMISOM] contributing member and currently, it has over 6,000 troops of 22,000 in Somalia. But the troops are exchanged after a certain period, allowing those who have served to take a rest at home. Such measures are important to curtail the spread of the deadly disease seeing as soldiers live and work in very close quarters making social distancing rather difficult.
