MOGADISHU – Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) serving under African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and United Nation Guard Unit Six (UNGU VI) jointly celebrated the 39th Tarehe Sita Anniversary in Mogadishu, Somalia.
The celebrations started with Civil-Military activities during the day at Marine Market and later, a dinner function in the evening at the embassy compound.
The soldiers and embassy staff cleaned the marine market led by the Sector One Commander Brig Gen Richard Otto.
A vast number of Somali locals from within and outside the market received free medical services which left many appreciating and requesting AMISOM to continue conducting such medical camps.
At the Tarehe Sita dinner, his Excellency the Ugandan Ambassador to Somalia Prof Sam Turyamuhika said that the UPDF has always been known for its discipline and implored soldiers to uphold the same. “Right from inception and throughout the five years of struggle in the bush, the hallmark of the NRA (National Resistance Army) was stringent discipline, especially in pursuit of excellence and success. This you must never lose sight of, now or in future.”
In his remarks, Gen Otto implored the soldiers to work closely with the Somali people and treat them well for a successful mission. “Today’s date reminds us of UPDF the word ‘People’ and the population, that means if you are far from the population, you mistreat the people, the people themselves can even get arms and get you out.” Gen Otto said.
Meanwhile, the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) officers and men serving under the United Nations Guard Unit Six (UNGU VI) in Somalia participated in the week’s activities of giving back to the community.
The commanding officer of UNGU VI Lt Col Nathan Beinomugisha reminded the troops not to underestimate the cordial relationship between UPDF and the civilians both internationally and back home in Uganda. “It’s now 39 years of our marriage with the populace, so if the partnership must continue even more we must continue to respect them”. he said.
Tarehe Sita celebrations continued up to late in the evening of Thursday.
Present at the dinner party were; Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (DSRCC) for Somalia Hon Simon Mulongo, Deputy Ugandan Ambassador to Somalia Maj Gen Nathan Mugisha, Defence Advisor Brig-Gen Lucky Kidega, Commanders, Heads of department among others.
