AUSSOM-UPDF Conduct Outreach in Liberated Mubarak, Lower Shabelle

The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), operating under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), in collaboration with partners, have conducted a Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) outreach in the recently liberated town of Mubarak in Lower Shabelle, delivering humanitarian assistance and medical services to local communities.

During the exercise, essential relief items were distributed to more than 300 households. The supplies included food, household essentials, and medical items. A medical camp was also established, where troops treated residents suffering from common ailments.

Sector 1 Commander, Brigadier General Jackson Kayanja, said the intervention was aimed at supporting communities most affected by conflict while strengthening trust and cooperation between civilians and security forces.

“This outreach is part of our broader CIMIC efforts to support stabilization in newly secured areas, enhance collaboration with local communities, and create conditions necessary for recovery,” he said.

Battle Group 44 Commander, Colonel Owinyi Akena, commended the Sector 1 leadership and partners for their continued support to the local population in Mubarak.

He emphasized that AUSSOM would maintain close cooperation with Somali security forces to further degrade Al-Shabaab and its operational capabilities.

The event was attended by the Deputy Commander of the Somali National Army Land Forces, Brig. Gen. Abdullahi Ciro, alongside AUSSOM and Somali National Army Forces (SNAF) troops, international partners, asset commanders, and both senior and junior officers, among other stakeholders.