KAMPALA—The Chief of Defence Forces Gen David Muhoozi has called on officers serving on mission in Somalia to observe discipline and keep in line with the right ideology for the success of UPDF’s mission in terror-ravaged Horn of Africa nation.
Gen Muhoozi, who was Friday seeing off officers of Battle Group XX11 and United Nations Guard Unit 1V (UNGU), who are headed for the mission in Somalia, reminded the troops that the mission they are going for is a workable one since some of their brothers and sisters have already been to Somalia and returned safely.
Addressing the troops at Singo-based Peace and Support Training Centre in Nakaseke District, the CDF said: “You are not going for a picnic in Somalia. Therefore, be alert and respect the rules of engagement,” he said, adding that it is the duty of Battle Group XX11 and UNGU 1V to keep the Ugandan flag high.
Battle Group XX11 will serve under the mandate of the African Union while UNGU 1V will serve under the United Nations.
Gen Muhoozi urged the peace support troops to work together because they are going to penetrate an area engulfed with many threats coupled with the absence of a frontline.
In April, the African has hailed Uganda for its active role in restoring peace and stability in Somalia. The Special Representative of the African Union Commission Chairperson for Somalia, Amb. Francisco Madeira, who was in April decorating UPDF officers serving under Amisom, thanked President Museveni for showing the true spirit of Pan-Africanism by ensuring peace and stability is restored in Somalia.
“Let me take this opportunity to thank your country and thank all your colleagues from Uganda who started this Mission by sacrificing their lives,” he said.
Uganda was the first country to deploy in Somalia in 2007, under Amisom, where, together with other Troop Contributing Countries, it has made significant contribution to peace and stability in the restive country, providing a conducive environment not only for elections but also for social and economic development.
