The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has celebrated the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) officers in recognition of their contribution to peace and stability efforts after completing a one-year tour of duty in Somalia under ATMIS.
The Ugandan troops were honored with medal and certificate awards in a ceremony that was held in Mogadishu on October 27. The honored officers were from the Uganda Battle Group XXXIII (UGABAG XXXIII) who have completed a one-year tour of duty in their role in pacifying Somalia.
The ceremony was presided over by the ATMIS Deputy Force Commander in charge of Operations and Plans, Maj. Gen. William Kitsao Shume, who thanked the outgoing UPDF troops for their selfless contributions to fulfilling the ATMIS mandate.
Maj. Gen. Shume noted that ATMIS was proud of UPDF contributions and achievements and wished them well as they return home to serve their country. He also noted that Somali people are happy and grateful for what UPDF officers have been able to accomplish in their one-year of duty.
During their tour of duty, the battle group personnel were stationed at Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in Arbiska, Albao, Lafore, and Lantabur, located in the Lower Shabelle region. Additionally, the troops secured key government installations in Mogadishu, including the presidential palace, Mogadishu seaport, the Federal Parliament, and the ATMIS base camp (Halane).
The Uganda ATMIS contingent commander, Brig. Gen.Keith Katungi, also lauded the outgoing battle group for conducting offensive operations against the Al-Qaeda affiliated Al-Shabaab terrorists, and securing the Federal Parliamentary and Presidential elections.
Brig. Gen. Katungi, also noted that the troops of the outgoing UGABAG XXXIII maintained cordial relations with local Somali communities and secured routes that facilitated the safe movement of people and goods along the main supply routes (MSRs).
A new battle group, UGABAG XXXVI, commanded by Col. James Musiitwa will replace the outgoing battle group.
Kenya another major troop-contributing nation to Somalia is set to dispatch more soldiers to the Federal Republic of Somalia, in the latest strategy to strengthen the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), the lead peacekeepers in the Horn of Africa nation.
