The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Ambassador El-Hadji Ibrahima Diene, has commended Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces Battle Group 47 for its contribution to peace and security in Somalia.
Ambassador Diene made the remarks during a special visit to the Battle Group’s Headquarters at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ceeljaale, and the Marka and Qoryooley sub-sectors of Lower Shabelle Region.
“We express our appreciation for the outstanding work you have done in the mission area. We are impressed by what the UPDF has always stood for, not only in East Africa but across Africa and the world,” Ambassador Diene said.
The SRCC urged the troops to maintain high levels of vigilance, safeguard Forward Operating Bases and continue protecting civilian communities within their area of responsibility.
The Sector One Commander and Acting Force Commander, Brig Gen Jackson Kayanja, called upon commanders and troops to maintain discipline, professionalism and commitment while operating within the AUSSOM mandate in support of the Federal Government of Somalia and the Somali people.
“Let us remain focused and continue to work within our mandate to support the Government of Somalia and the Somali National Army,” Brig Gen Kayanja said.
The Battle Group 47 Commander, Col Wilson Barigye, reaffirmed the battlegroup’s commitment to degrading and denying Al-Shabaab freedom of movement and action.
“As a Battle Group, we remain focused on upholding the AUSSOM mandate, supporting the peaceful transition and stabilisation of Somali security forces, and contributing to efforts to degrade and deny Al-Shabaab freedom of movement and action in order to enhance peace and security for local communities,” Col Barigye said.
The visit was attended by the Contingent Military Information Officer, Lt Col Richard Ssejemba, officials from the AUSSOM Mission Headquarters, and senior and junior officers of Battle Group 47, among others.
