Lt Gen Okiding Rallies UPDF Troops In Somalia Against Al-Shabaab Threat

Lieutenant General Sam Okiding, Deputy Chief of Defence Forces of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), has called for unwavering vigilance among Ugandan troops deployed under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), urging them to remain resolute in combating Al-Shabaab.

Speaking during a one-week visit to assess the operational readiness and welfare of UPDF personnel, Lt Gen Okiding commended the soldiers for their commitment to peace and security in Somalia. He delivered a tactical briefing focused on the defeat of Al-Shabaab and underscored the importance of mental discipline.

Quoting the Book of Proverbs, he said, “Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts,” encouraging the troops to maintain a disciplined and focused mindset.

He further urged commanders to apply lessons from past missions to inform sound and timely decisions and emphasised the importance of discipline, courage, and force protection. “Commanders must ensure the safety of their troops at all times,” he said.

In a stern caution, Lt Gen Okiding warned against corruption and the misuse of mission resources. “Soldiers must receive their rightful entitlements,” he said, reinforcing the UPDF’s zero-tolerance stance on mismanagement.

Brigadier General Joseph Musoke Ssemwanga, Commander of Sector One, welcomed the visit as a significant morale boost for the troops.

Lt Gen Okiding was accompanied by Major General Francis Takirwa, Deputy Commander Land Force, and Brigadier General Michael Kabongo, Commandant of the Senior Command and Staff College, Kimaka.

Also in attendance were Deputy Sector One Commander Colonel Christopher Columbus Tumwine, Battle Group XLIII Commander Colonel Robert Koch, Battle Group XLIV Commander Colonel Awiny Akena, Contingent Administration Officer Colonel John Mark Ssemanda, along with other staff officers and soldiers.