Brig Gen Ssemwanga Hails UPDF Troops During Somalia Base Inspections

Brigadier General Joseph Ssemwanga, Sector One Commander under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), has wrapped up a three-day operational tour of Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Forward Operating Bases in the Barawe and Beldamin sectors.

The visit, targeting troops under Battle Group XLI, focused on evaluating their readiness, morale, and ability to confront Al-Shabaab insurgents in Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region.

Addressing the soldiers, Brig Gen Ssemwanga stressed the importance of discipline, vigilance, and fostering strong ties with local communities to support lasting peace in line with AUSSOM’s objectives.

He praised the troops for their continued dedication to peacekeeping and regional stability efforts. “Your resilience, patriotism, and commitment to Pan-Africanism have yielded visible achievements despite the difficult conditions,” he said.

Brig Gen Ssemwanga also delivered messages of gratitude and encouragement from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the UPDF’s Commander-in-Chief; General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Chief of Defence Forces; and Lieutenant General Kayanja Muhanga, Commander of Land Force. All lauded the troops’ steadfast service since Uganda’s initial deployment to Somalia in March 2007.

Additionally, he commended Col Michael Walaka Hyeroba, Commander of Battle Group XLI, and his leadership team for their strategic role in countering Al-Shabaab.

The commander was accompanied throughout the tour by senior officers from the Sector One Headquarters.