UPDF Flags Off Battle Group 48 For Somalia Mission

The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has flagged off Battle Group 48 (BG XLVIII) for deployment under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) following the completion of pre-deployment training at the International Peace Support Operations Training Centre (IPSO-TC) in Singo, Nakaseke District.

The Deputy Commander Land Force, Maj Gen Felix Busizoori, urged the troops to maintain teamwork, discipline and commitment to ensure successful operations in the mission area.

“Once you operate as a team, you will win as a team and come together,” he said.

Maj Gen Busizoori He cautioned the contingent against misconduct and urged them to uphold the highest standards of integrity, reminding them that their conduct would reflect on the UPDF.

“Behave as if everyone is watching you,” he said.

He also emphasised the importance of maintaining positive relations with local communities, noting that this had contributed to the success of previous UPDF missions.

He further warned against the misuse of social media, noting that it could compromise operational readiness and expose troops to security risks. He reminded them that unauthorised use of social media was a punishable offence in the Army.

The Commandant of IPSO-TC, Col Moses Nabaasa, urged the troops to uphold discipline and understand the values and responsibilities associated with military service.

Referring to guidance given by the Commander-in-Chief of the UPDF, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Col Nabaasa emphasised the importance of discipline, patriotism and understanding the purpose of military service.

He said the training had been conducted under the primary mission statement, “To Prepare this Contingent for a Pan-African Peace Support Mission.”

Col Nabaasa urged the troops to demonstrate teamwork, patriotism and Pan-Africanism throughout their deployment.

“Go for the mission as a Battle Group. You have trained as a team. Fight and win as a team, conduct yourselves with discipline and uphold the values of the UPDF at all times,” he said.

Senior and junior officers attended the flag-off ceremony.