UPDF Contingent Hosts Iftar Dinner For Muslim Community In Mogadishu

The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) contingent serving under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) on Friday evening hosted an Iftar dinner for the Muslim community in Mogadishu.

The event brought together Ugandan military officers, diplomats, partners, and members of the Somali community in a gesture aimed at promoting unity, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence during the holy month of Ramadan.

Speaking at the event, Uganda’s Deputy Ambassador to Somalia, Maj Gen (Rtd) Nathan Mugisha, underscored the importance of maintaining strong relationships across faiths to achieve lasting stability.

“We need to maintain a good relationship regardless of religion to bring about the desirable peace and security needed in this place,” he said.

The AUSSOM Force Commander, Lt Gen Sam Kavuma, urged commanders and combatants to remain vigilant during the remaining days of Ramadan, warning that the period often presents increased security threats from Al-Shabaab militants.

“We are in a war zone, and we need to be careful and alert for any enemy attacks because all civilians are looking at us for their safety,” he said.

Sector One Commander, Brig Gen Jackson Kayanja, emphasised the importance of sharing love and unity between Christians and Muslims as children of God. He said that sharing the Iftar meal symbolises reconciliation, solidarity, and respect among different faiths.

“Iftar means a lot when shared as a sign of love and for both Christians and Muslims to reconcile ourselves to God our Creator,” he said.

The Uganda Contingent Administration Officer, Col Hamza Kasaija, described Ramadan as a sacred month in which the Holy Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad. He noted that the period is marked by fasting, prayer, forgiveness, and acts of charity such as the giving of zakat.

The dinner was attended by Uganda’s Defence Attaché to Somalia, Brig Gen Francis Chemo, Battle Group 44 Commander Col Owiny Akena, UNGU-XII Commander Lt Col Nathan Akankunda, partners, senior and junior officers, and members of the Somali community.