UPDF Troops In Somalia Encouraged To Prioritise Health For Operational Readiness

Troops of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) serving under United Nations Guard Unit Eleven (UNGU XI) in Somalia have been urged to prioritise their physical and mental health as a cornerstone of mission effectiveness and long-term operational success.

The appeal was made by the Commanding Officer, Lt Col Peter Ruyogoza Barigye, during a health awareness campaign held at the contingent’s headquarters in Mogadishu. Themed “Fit for Duty”, the campaign focused on preventive health and personal well-being, particularly in the context of Somalia’s high-risk and high-stress environment. It was spearheaded by the UNGU XI medical team as part of a broader effort to enhance the health resilience of deployed personnel.

Lt Col Barigye underscored the critical role of health in sustaining mission capability. “As soldiers of UPDF-UNGU XI, our health is our wealth. I’m glad to see our medical team taking the lead in educating us on disease prevention and healthy practices,” he said.

He pointed out that the operational conditions in Somalia expose soldiers to a wide range of health challenges, including communicable and non-communicable diseases, mental health issues, and physical exhaustion, and urged the troops to take proactive measures to stay fit and combat-ready.

Administrative Officer Maj Jacob Gowan Kaburika reinforced the message, urging the soldiers to apply the lessons from the campaign. “Your health is important to both the UN mission and the UPDF. Let us prioritise our health and safety,” he stated.

Captain Dr Andrew Namaulula, who heads the medical team, explained that the campaign was structured to equip soldiers with practical knowledge and skills to guard against health risks in the field. “This campaign is about empowering our troops to maintain good health despite the challenges of operating in a hostile environment,” he said.

The awareness sessions addressed key issues such as recognising and managing mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, acute stress reactions, and burnout. The initiative reinforced the message that both physical fitness and mental well-being are essential to the success and sustainability of UPDF’s peacekeeping efforts under the United Nations mandate.

The medical team affirmed that a healthy force is a capable force, and health awareness must remain a priority in every deployment setting.