The Commander Land Force of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga, has applauded Ugandan troops serving under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) for their successful operations against Al-Shabaab militants in the strategic town of Sabiid-Anole.
During a three-day visit to Somalia, Lt Gen Muhanga met with frontline troops and assessed the ongoing operations aimed at neutralising terrorist threats. He praised the professionalism and resilience of the UPDF soldiers and the Somali National Army (SNA) for their role in dislodging militants from the town.
Addressing the troops, Lt Gen Muhanga called for continued vigilance, discipline, and operational readiness. “Every soldier must clearly understand their role and mission to be confident and lethal in execution,” he said, stressing the importance of speed, coordination, and continuous rehearsals to maintain momentum in the fight.
He pledged ongoing support to frontline troops and vowed that operations would continue until all areas under terrorist control are fully liberated.
Brig Gen Joseph Musoke Ssemwanga, Commander of Sector One, welcomed the visit, noting its significance for troop morale. “This visit is a morale boost to the troops, and it has come at the right time,” said Brig Gen Ssemwanga.
He reaffirmed the commitment of both AUSSOM-UPDF and SNA forces to sustained joint operations, highlighting the recent success of “Operation Silent Storm” as a model for future missions. “With joint efforts, superior firepower, and adaptive tactics, Al-Shabaab cannot hold ground,” he asserted, adding that the liberation of Sabiid-Anole lays the groundwork for continued offensives in Sector One.
Brig Gen Ssemwanga reported that Al-Shabaab’s operational capacity has been significantly degraded through precision strikes and coordinated ground actions, reducing their ability to intimidate and harm civilians.
Lt Gen Muhanga was accompanied by senior officers including Brig Gen PJ Kajuba, Director of Operations – Land Force; Col Victor Busobozi, AUSSOM Coordinator; and Col Albert Kashakamba, Director of Intelligence – Land Force.
The delegation was received by Col Kosia Kuteesa, Commander of Battle Group XLII and head of troops in Sabiid-Anole, who led them on a tour of the area. They inspected the aftermath of the conflict, including damage caused by Al-Shabaab, such as the destruction of the key Sabiid-Anole Bridge.
