The Deputy Commander Land Force, 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.
He made the call 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.
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, reported that the contingent is fully prepared for deployment.
Col Musenene thanked the UPDF leadership for the trust placed in him and commended IPSO-TC for delivering high-quality training that has equipped the soldiers with the necessary skills for mission success.
The send-off ceremony was attended by senior UPDF officers, Battle Group commanders, local leaders, and families of the deploying soldiers.
