The Ugandan People's Defence Forces (UPDF) has deployed its 48th Battle Group to Somalia, where it will join the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). The deployment comes after the group completed training at the International Peace Support Training Centre (IPSO-TC) in Singo, Nakaseke district, Uganda. The training aimed to prepare the group for their mission in Somalia.
The Deputy Commander of the Uganda Land Forces, Brigadier General Felix Busizoori, urged the soldiers to maintain teamwork, discipline, and diligence to ensure the success of their mission in Somalia. He emphasized that working together as a team would guarantee their success and safe return. Busizoori also warned the soldiers against misconduct and stressed the importance of maintaining the highest level of integrity and honor.
Brigadier General Busizoori reminded the soldiers that their behavior reflects the reputation of the UPDF and urged them to conduct themselves in a manner that would make their country proud. He also highlighted the importance of building a good relationship with the local community, citing its role in the success of previous UPDF missions. Additionally, he cautioned the soldiers against the misuse of social media, which could compromise their mission and put them at risk.
The Commander of IPSO-TC, Colonel Moses Nabaasa, also emphasized the importance of discipline and understanding the values and responsibilities of military service. Citing guidelines from the Commander-in-Chief of the UPDF and President of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Colonel Nabaasa stressed the significance of discipline, patriotism, and understanding the purpose of military service. The training was designed to prepare the soldiers for their role in the African Union peacekeeping mission.
Colonel Nabaasa encouraged the soldiers to demonstrate teamwork, patriotism, and Pan-Africanism during their mission in Somalia. He urged them to work together as a cohesive unit and to maintain the values of the UPDF. The 48th Battle Group was trained to work together as a team and to conduct themselves in a manner that would reflect positively on their country and the UPDF.
The sendoff ceremony for the 48th Battle Group was attended by senior and junior officers from the UPDF. The deployment of the 48th Battle Group to Somalia is part of Uganda's continued commitment to peacekeeping and stabilization efforts in the region. The UPDF has a long history of participation in peacekeeping missions, and this deployment is a testament to its capabilities and expertise.
The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) aims to support the Somali government in its efforts to stabilize the country and build peace. The mission involves troops from various African countries, including Uganda, and is mandated to provide support to the Somali security forces and to help build stability in the region. The deployment of the 48th Battle Group is a significant contribution to this effort.
Key points
- The Ugandan People's Defence Forces (UPDF) has deployed its 48th Battle Group to Somalia as part of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
- The deployment comes after the group completed training at the International Peace Support Training Centre (IPSO-TC) in Uganda.
- The soldiers were urged to maintain teamwork, discipline, and diligence to ensure the success of their mission in Somalia.
