The Ugandan soldiers from Battle Group 28, serving under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), have been awarded medals at a ceremony presided over by Diomede Ndegeya, Lieutenant.-General, the AMISOM Force Commander.
The soldiers, according to the AMISOM, received the award for their outstanding efforts in ensuring peace and stability in the war ravaged Somalia.
In a statement on Tuesday, AIMSOM said the award ceremony was attended by Don William Nabasa, a Brigadier General, the Contingent Commander of Ugandan troops in Somalia.
AMISOM said, under the command of Col. Wilberforce Sserunkuma, the soldiers are expected to rotate out of the mission soon, having completed their tour of duty, to be replaced by Battle Group 31, commanded by Colonel Francis Aragmoi.
The Ugandan soldiers were praised by Ndegeya for their gallantry, leading to the capture of several key bridge towns, such as Awdhegle and Janaale in the Lower Shabelle region of Somalia, from the militant group Al-Shabaab, and winning the hearts and minds of the local communities by implementing Quick Impact Projects (QIPs).
“I want to thank the Battle Group 28 Commander and his staff, and the troops of the whole battle group for a job well done in operational activities, Quick Impact Projects, and in fighting COVID-19,” Ndegeya said at the ceremony.
He added that the Mission leadership recognises and appreciates the efforts of the battle group in capturing and holding the bridge towns and other daunting operations that they conducted, alongside the Somali National Army.
News Agency of Nigeria reported that the outgoing battle group was operating in the Lower Shabelle region conducting targeted military operations against the Al-Shabaab in the areas of Ceeljaale, Shalambot, Mashalay, Qoryoley, Buufow and Marka among others.
The Force Commander urged the in-coming Battle Group 31 to perform even better, especially through community engagement initiatives, protection of civilians and in opening and securing the main supply routes, to ensure the free movement of goods and services.
Speaking at the function, Uganda’s Deputy Ambassador to Somalia, Nathan Mugisha called for more investment in social amenities critical for the survival of the populations to help supplement efforts being made by the military to stabilize the country.
Mugisha also noted that there is need to enhance governance, justice and rule of law and humanitarian support in liberated areas to enable residents lead a normal life.
He commended the Somali National Army for remaining resolute in the face of multiple challenges and urged the international community to aid the force in its efforts to secure the country.
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