Discipline Remains The Foundation Of Mission Success, Brig Gen Jackson Kayanja Reminds UPDF Troops In Barawe

The Sector One Commander of the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), Brigadier General Jackson Kayanja, has commended Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) troops serving under the mission for maintaining high standards of discipline and professionalism while conducting operations in Somalia.

Brig Gen Kayanja made the remarks during a two-day tour of UPDF troops deployed in the Barawe Sub-Sector, where he praised the soldiers’ conduct, describing it as a reflection of strong ideological orientation and commitment to duty.

“I want to thank you for the discipline you portray while conducting your operations in this area. I haven’t heard any serious cases of indiscipline, and this shows that you are ideologically oriented. Keep it up,” Brig Gen Kayanja said.

He expressed appreciation to the President of Uganda, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and the Government of Uganda for their continued support and guidance to the mission.

“Without good leadership, you cannot be successful,” he said.

He urged the troops to protect and consolidate the gains achieved both in Somalia and Uganda, noting that the sacrifices made over the years must be safeguarded.

“We need to protect and consolidate our gains. We cannot go back to zero because we have come from far,” Brig Gen Kayanja said.

He further emphasised the importance of Pan-Africanism, teamwork, comradeship, cooperation, unity, and maintaining good health among troops. He also encouraged the soldiers to remain vigilant and security conscious while executing their mandate.

The Battle Group 45 Commander, Colonel Justus Musenene, applauded Brig Gen Kayanja for visiting the troops, saying the engagement had boosted their morale. He pledged continued cooperation towards achieving the mission’s objectives and urged soldiers to uphold professionalism, safeguard Uganda’s integrity, and continue flying the national flag high.

During the tour, Brig Gen Kayanja tasked commanders and troops to remain focused on fulfilling AUSSOM’s mandate of protecting the people of Somalia, degrading Al-Shabaab, and rebuilding and mentoring the Somali National Army.

He was accompanied by Asset Commanders, Component Commanders, Heads of Departments, and other senior and junior UPDF officers.