The African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) has awarded African Union medals to troops of the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) Battlegroup XLII, in recognition of their service and performance as the unit completed its tour of duty in Somalia. The ceremony coincided with the formal handover/takeover as Battlegroup XLII handed over responsibilities to the incoming UPDF Battlegroup XLVI.
The AUSSOM Force Commander, Lt. Gen. Sam Kavuma, commended the outgoing battlegroup for its resilience, discipline and effective leadership in maintaining security within its area of responsibility. He particularly praised the unit’s role in Operation Silent Storm, which led to the successful dislodging of Al-Shabaab militants from Sabiid-Anole, Barire and Awdheegle.
“Medals are a sign of recognition for exemplary performance and hard work, and Battlegroup XLII has achieved all this. You exhibited resilience and hard work during your tour of duty, especially during Operation Silent Storm,” Lt Gen Kavuma said.
To the incoming Battlegroup (XLVI), Lt. Gen. Kavuma urged them to “decisively deal with Al-Shabaab threats that endanger the gains” made since Uganda first deployed troops to Somalia in 2007 under the African Union mission.
The Sector One Commander, Brig. Gen. Joseph Musoke Ssemwanga, lauded the outgoing Battlegroup commander, Col. Kosia Kutesa, for his exemplary command and leadership during his tenure and encouraged the incoming commander, Col. Saul Nabimanya to prioritise teamwork, hard work and adaptive leadership.
Col. Kutesa thanked the UPDF leadership for the opportunity to serve as Battlegroup Commander and expressed appreciation to the Contingent Commander and his team for their support and guidance throughout his deployment while Col. Nabimanya expressed readiness to build on the achievements of his predecessor, saying his focus would be on advancing the mission’s objectives and protecting key stakeholders.
The ceremony was attended by the incoming Uganda Contingent Commander, Brig. Gen. Jackson Kayanja, Deputy Contingent Commander Col. Francis Obita Aragamoi, Director of Intelligence–Land Forces Col. Albert Kashakamba, as well as commanders of other UPDF battlegroups, senior officers and junior officers, among others.