Lt Gen Sam Okiding Hands Over Command in Somalia, Set to Assume Role as Deputy CDF

Lieutenant General Sam Okiding, who served as the Force Commander of the African Union Transition Mission (ATMIS) in Somalia, has officially handed over his duties as he prepares to return to Uganda to assume the role of Deputy Chief of Defence Forces.

The handover ceremony took place in Mogadishu, Somalia, where Lt Gen Okiding passed the baton to Major General Marius Ngendabanka, who will serve as the acting Force Commander.

During the event, Ambassador Sivuyile Bam, the Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (DSRCC) and Head of ATMIS, urged commanders at all levels to work together to achieve peace in Somalia. He emphasized the importance of cooperation and coordination among commanders and staff to realize this goal.

Ambassador Sivuyile expressed gratitude to Lt Gen Okiding for his service and wished him success in his new role back home.

In his remarks, Lt Gen Sam Okiding shared words of wisdom from the Bible, emphasizing the importance of positive thinking and faith in guiding his actions.

The incoming acting ATMIS Force Commander, Maj Gen Marius Ngendabanka, pledged to collaborate with all commanders to bring peace to Somalia. He assured that he would fulfill his duties in accordance with the ATMIS mandate and the African Union Motto.

It’s worth noting that Lt Gen Sam Okiding was appointed as UPDF Deputy Chief of Defence Forces by the President of Uganda, H.E Yoweri Museveni, while Lt Gen Sam Kavuma was selected as the new ATMIS Force Commander.

The handover ceremony was attended by various military officials, including Maj Gen Peter Kimani Muteseti, Brig Gen Anthony Lukwago Mbuusi, Col Ahmed Bedid Bileh, General Fitser, Col Bassie Abdul Sesay, and other distinguished guests.