The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has today started sending another 2754 fresh troops to Somalia under the command of a newly appointed Ugandan contingent commander to the African Union Mission to Somalia.
The troops under Uganda Battle group XIV is the seventeenth battle group Uganda is fielding to Somalia since 2007 and are replacing Battle group XII which has been under AMISOM for a year and recently captured the last Al shabaab stronghold of Barawe.
The first flight carrying over 100 soldiers has safely landed this morning at Mogadishu International airport and brought back an equal number to Entebbe Airport.
While flagging off the new Battle group, commanded by Col Frank Kyambadde, Gen Katumba Wamala the Chief of Defence Forces on October 27, 2014 at Peace Support Training Center in Singo, Nakaseke District, announced to the troops that Brig Sam Kavuma was now the new contingent commander who will be overall commander of the three Ugandan Battle groups in Somalia.
“Brig Sam Kavuma is an experienced Commander and we are confident he will appropriately represent our country in Somalia.” Gen Katumba said.
Brig Kavuma has been the Commander of the African Union Regional Task Force in Central African Republic that is hunting for Joseph Kony. He is now taking over command of the AMISOM Contingent from Brig Dick Olum.
The fresh troops heading for Somalia were advised by Gen Katumba to uphold the Ugandan good image in the mission and not waste the achievements that has been gained through huge sacrifices, including shedding blood by the troops.
“Wherever UPDF has gone, it has made a good account of itself and we shall not take any less of that. For a good job done in Somalia, there was sweat and blood. The best reward for our comrades who lost their lives or got wounded in this mission is for us to ensure we don’t betray the cause for which they sacrificed their dear lives.” Gen Wamala said and thereafter observed a moment of silence to the fallen AMISOM fighters.
He further told the soldiers to ensure they respect the Somali culture, adding that Uganda went to Somalia to help the Somali people just like the Tanzanians once helped Uganda in 1979, though he regretted that Ugandans wasted these efforts by indulging in the 1980 election malpractice.
Gen Katumba warned the soldiers against fraternization or acts of mismanagement of logistical items meant to facilitate the mission and called on them to observe strict discipline especially at a time when the mission has grown with now several actors with different values.
He further warned that despite the improved security situation in Somalia, terrorists are unpredictable groups and can still inflict damage.
“Always remember that this mission is still a doze and die mission. Be vigilant and despite being a peoples’ force, please guard against the terrorists taking advantage of that relationship to cause harm on you.” Gen Katumba advised, adding that sector one that Uganda Contingent takes charge of is critical in the wellbeing of Somalia because it houses the State house, all government ministries, parliament, International airport and sea port among others.
He further told the soldiers that they have got all the training necessary to perform their tasks, adding that they do receive a combination of training from different actors to suit the complex situation in Somalia.
“I thank our American, French, and British partners who have stood by us from the start of this mission providing our troops with quality training required for the success of this mission that was once thought to be a mission impossible.” Gen Katumba observed.
He also told the soldiers to always picture the welfare challenges in their homes and use it as a catalyst to propel their desire for self improvement by use of the savings they make while in missions like AMISOM.
“This is my advice: whereas the army is striving to improve your welfare, it may not do for you everything as you might wish. But as an individual, you could also make a difference in your life by wisely investing your savings into gainful projects.” Gen Wamala counseled.
As Battle group XIV leaves for Somalia today, Brig Dick Olum the outgoing contingent commander will fly in with the Ugandan flag from Somalia which he will hand over to the Chief of Defence Forces who will hand it over to the new contingent commander, Brig Sam Kavuma.
Meanwhile, the troops of Battle group XII who are returning home were decorated with African Union medals and flagged off early this morning from Mogadishu by Maj Gen Geoffrey Muheesi the Deputy AMISOM Force Commander in charge of operations. He thanked them for their contribution in the stabilization of Somalia and congratulated them upon a successful completion of their tour of duty in Somalia. Gen Muheesi told the soldiers returning to take keen interest in the security of Uganda.