The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has flagged off Battle Group 48 (BG XLVIII) for deployment under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). The troops completed pre-deployment training at the International Peace Support Operations Training Centre (IPSO-TC) in Singo, Nakaseke District. The Deputy Commander Land Force, Maj Gen Felix Busizoori, addressed the troops during the flag-off ceremony. He emphasised the importance of teamwork, discipline, and commitment to ensure successful operations in Somalia.
Maj Gen Busizoori urged the troops to maintain high standards of integrity and avoid misconduct. He reminded them that their conduct would reflect on the UPDF and cautioned them against the misuse of social media. The Deputy Commander Land Force noted that unauthorised use of social media was a punishable offence in the Army. He also emphasised the importance of maintaining positive relations with local communities, which had contributed to the success of previous UPDF missions.
The Commandant of IPSO-TC, Col Moses Nabaasa, addressed the troops during the flag-off ceremony. He urged them to uphold discipline and understand the values and responsibilities associated with military service. Col Nabaasa referred to guidance given by the Commander-in-Chief of the UPDF, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. He emphasised the importance of discipline, patriotism, and understanding the purpose of military service.
Col Nabaasa stated that the training had been conducted under the primary mission statement, “To Prepare this Contingent for a Pan-African Peace Support Mission.” He urged the troops to demonstrate teamwork, patriotism, and Pan-Africanism throughout their deployment. The Commandant reminded them that they had trained as a team and should fight and win as a team.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by senior and junior officers. The troops are set to be deployed under AUSSOM, a mission aimed at supporting peace and stabilisation efforts in Somalia. The UPDF has a history of participating in peacekeeping missions, and Battle Group 48 is expected to continue this tradition.
The deployment of Battle Group 48 is a significant milestone for the UPDF. The troops have undergone rigorous training to prepare them for the challenges they will face in Somalia. The UPDF has expressed confidence in the capabilities of Battle Group 48, and the troops are expected to make a positive impact in the mission area.
The UPDF's participation in AUSSOM demonstrates Uganda's commitment to regional peace and security. The mission is expected to contribute to the stabilisation of Somalia and the region. Battle Group 48 will play a crucial role in this effort, working alongside other AU troops to support peace and stabilisation efforts.
Key points
- The UPDF has flagged off Battle Group 48 for deployment to Somalia under AUSSOM.
- The troops completed pre-deployment training at IPSO-TC in Singo, Nakaseke District.
- The deployment demonstrates Uganda's commitment to regional peace and security.
