Maj Gen Odowaa Yusuf Rageh, Chief of Defence Forces of the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF), has praised Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) troops serving under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) for their outstanding contributions to Somalia’s peace and stability. “I want to thank you for the sacrifice you have…
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…
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…
A joint delegation led by the State Minister of Defence of the Federal Government of Somalia, Omar Ali Abdi, the Chief of Defence Forces of the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF), Maj Gen Odowaa Yusuf Rageh, and the Force Commander of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission, Lt Gen Sam Kavuma on Saturday, October…
The Commander of the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF) Land Forces, Brigadier General Sahal Abdullahi Omar, has praised joint forces comprising the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), SNAF, and international partners for their successful operations that liberated Awdheegle from Al-Shabaab militants. During a field visit to the recently recaptured town on Saturday, 11 October 2025,…
Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) troops serving under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), in coordination with the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF), have successfully recaptured Awdheegle town in Lower Shabelle region. The operation concluded today, Sunday, 5 October 2025. The military campaign, the third phase of Operation Silent Storm, marks…
Troops of Battle Group Forty Five (BGXLV) have been urged to maintain discipline and professionalism as they prepare for their upcoming peacekeeping mission in Somalia. Brigadier General Fred Mwesigye, acting Commander 1 Infantry Division, made the remarks during the closing of the two-week pre-mission ideology course at the International Peace Support Operations Training Centre (IPSO-TC)…
The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), serving under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), together with the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF), have launched the third phase of Operation Silent Storm to retake Awdheegle town from Al-Shabaab terrorists. Awdheegle, located 80 kilometres southwest of Mogadishu in the Lower Shabelle region, is…
The United Nations Guard Unit Eleven (UNGU-XI) contingent, in Somalia, underwent a comprehensive one-day training program focused on psychological resilience, family mindset and medical preparedness. In his address, the UNGU-XI commander Lt Col Peter Ruyogoza Barigye urged officers and troops to absorb the training, emphasising that “knowledge is key and power.” He stated that the…
Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) serving under the African Union Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) have killed a senior Al-Shabaab commander in the Lower Shabelle region. The militant leader, Osman Hussein Bune Amiir, who was widely regarded as the general commander of Al-Shabaab fighters in Lower Shabelle, was killed in an ambush by UPDF troops…