UPDF Troops in Somalia Urged to Stay Vigilant

The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) contingent serving under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) has been urged to maintain high levels of security awareness amid an unpredictable operational environment. Brigadier General Jackson Kayanja, the UPDF Contingent Commander, addressed officers and soldiers in AUSSOM Sector One, emphasising the importance of constant…

UPDF Contingent In Somalia Changes Command As Brig Gen Jackson Kayanja Succeeds Brig Gen Joseph Ssemwanga

The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) contingent serving under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) witnessed a change in its command that saw Brigadier General Jackson Kayanja assumed leadership as Contingent Commander from Brigadier General Joseph Ssemwanga Musoke, who completed his tour of duty. The handover and takeover ceremony was presided…

UPDF Commends Battle Group 41 For Professionalism, Flags off New Contingents

The Deputy Commander Land Forces of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces, Maj Gen Francis Takirwa, has commended Battle Group 41 for its professionalism and resilience following the completion of its tour of duty in Somalia under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission. He delivered the commendation at the International Peace Support Operations Training Centre…

Ugandan And Somali Troops Conduct Joint Tour To Boost Security In Lower Shabelle

Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) troops serving under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) conducted a guided tour of the Somali National Army (SNA) 66 Brigade Headquarters in Barawe sub-sector, Lower Shabelle region, alongside their SNA counterparts. The visit, led by SNA 66 Brigade Commander Col Liiban Yuusuf Gare, aimed to…

UPDF Level II Hospital in Mogadishu Receives Medical Boost from Bancroft

The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Contingent in Somalia, operating under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia, has received a fresh supply of medical equipment and resources from partners Bancroft to support its Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) efforts at the Level II hospital in Mogadishu. Brigadier General Joseph Musoke Ssemwanga, Sector One commander,…

AU Honours Ugandan Peacekeepers in Somalia

The African Union has honoured troops of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces’ Battle Group XLI under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia. The troops were decorated with medals and awarded certificates in recognition of their distinguished service during their peacekeeping tour of duty in Somalia. At the same function, the outgoing contingent…

UPDF Troops Urged To Uphold Discipline And Pan-African Ideals Ahead Of Somalia Deployment

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…

NIRA Rolls Out National ID Renewal Drive For Ugandans And UPDF Troops In Somalia

The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has launched a national identification enrolment and renewal exercise for Ugandan citizens and Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) personnel operating in Somalia. The exercise, which commenced on 20 October 2025, is part of NIRA’s broader nationwide programme to renew expired National Identification Cards and register new applicants in…