Somali Defence Chief Commends UPDF Troops For Role In Stabilising Somalia

Maj Gen Odowaa Yusuf Rageh, Chief of Defence Forces of the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF), has praised Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) troops serving under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) for their outstanding contributions to Somalia’s peace and stability.

“I want to thank you for the sacrifice you have made for the people of Somalia. You have given our soldiers great morale to defend their country,” Maj Gen Odowaa said while addressing UPDF troops in the Barawe Sector at the 6th SNAF Brigade Headquarters on Sunday.

Additionally, Maj Gen Odowaa thanked Ugandan President H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the Ugandan government for their continued support to the Federal Government of Somalia and the Somali National Armed Forces in their efforts to bring about peace and stability in the Horn of Africa Country.

He said that residents of Barawe Sector appreciate the prevailing peace provided by UPDF troops in support of SNAF and have pledged their support toward maintaining stability in the region. The Somali Defence Chief revealed that SNAF has recently embarked on civil–military cooperation activities to strengthen collaboration between the military and local communities.

The UPDF 145 Battalion Commander, Lt Col Geoffrey Ochan, on behalf of Battle Group 45 Commander Col Justus Musenene, lauded the population of Barawe for their cooperation, which he said had enabled AUSSOM forces to carry out their mandate efficiently.

“We have not encountered any problems with the civilians in this area, and we commend them for their continued cooperation,” Lt Col Ochan said. He urged both the Somali National Armed Forces and civilians to love their country wholeheartedly, noting that such patriotism would strengthen the fight against Al-Shabaab and contribute to Somalia’s economic transformation.

Lt Col Ochan reaffirmed the UPDF’s commitment to supporting the Somali people in their quest for a safe, secure, and peaceful nation.

The meeting was attended by Maj David Okema, the Battle Group 45 Operations Officer, senior and junior officers from both the UPDF and the Somali National Armed Forces.