Uganda flags off fresh troops for peacekeeping in Somalia

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The Deputy Commander Land Forces, Major General Francis Takirwa, has called on Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) troops deploying to Somalia under Battle Group 45 (BGXLV) to uphold discipline, embrace Pan-African values, and remain committed to the objectives of the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia.

Major General Takirwa made the call on Thursday, October 23, during the flag-off ceremony at the International Peace Support Operations Training Centre (IPSO-TC) in Singo, where he urged the troops to represent Uganda with integrity, professionalism, and patriotism.

Major General Francis Takirwa making his remarks. (Credit: UPDF)

A media handout from the Directorate of Communication, Ministry of Defence and Veterans' Affairs (MoDVA) states that he reminded the soldiers that discipline and loyalty remain the backbone of the UPDF, stressing that these values, coupled with the Pan-African spirit, continue to guide the Force’s efforts toward regional peace and stability.

Maj Gen Takirwa applauded the IPSO instructors and command team for their dedication and professionalism in preparing the troops for the mission. He noted that their efforts have enhanced the UPDF’s self-reliance in conducting peace support operations and meeting international mission standards.

The Commandant of IPSO-TC, Col Moses Nabaasa, highlighted that all the training is conducted by UPDF instructors, describing it as a major milestone that reflects the Force’s growing capacity to independently manage peace support operations.

He added that the training objectives, enhancing leadership skills, improving combat readiness, and simulating mission environments had been fully achieved.

Battle Group 45 Commander, Col Justus Musenene, who reported that the contingent is fully prepared for deployment, thanked the UPDF leadership for the trust placed in him and Commandant IPSO-TC for delivering high-quality training that has equipped the soldiers with the necessary skills for mission success.

Senior UPDF officers, Battle Group commanders, local leaders, and families of the deploying soldiers witnessed the send-off ceremonies.

Uganda was the first country to deploy troops under the African Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) in March 2007 at the peak of the Al-Shabaab insurgency, when the rebel group had literally overrun almost the entire country.

UPDF deployment led to key achievements like securing the capital, Mogadishu, protecting civilians, and helping the Somali government regain control of territory.

Its successes include securing key installations like the airport, parliament, training Somali forces, providing humanitarian aid, and helping to stabilise the region, among others.