The Africa Transition Mission in Somalia/(ATMIS) Force Commander Lt Gen Diomede Ndegeya has applauded the Ugandan Contingent in Somalia for the job well done since their deployment in the mission area.
Ndegeya who is the overall military head of the five troop contributing countries (TCCs) in Somalia, including Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti and Burundi made the remarks at the function to award medals and certificates to the Ugandan Battle group XXXII that has just completed its tour of duty after one year in the mission area.
He praised UPDF not only for its professional conduct, but also for being the lead force in advancing the African ATMIS mandate in Somalia.
“I thank the government of Uganda that allowed you to come here and contribute to the stabilisation of our sisterly nation Somalia. Your Soldiers are not only committed, they are doing their role as mandated and we are very proud of you,” he said.
Ndegeya also took the opportunity to guide the incoming Battle Group XXXV Commander to adapt to the new ATMIS arrangement as opposed to AMISOM that has operated since 2007.
The UPDF forces are currently in charge of Benadir region, which comprises the Capital Mogadishu. They are also in charge of the security of the base camp that has several international partners’ offices and residences.
The symbolic function saw 24 officers and militants decorated with the African Union medals for the job well done.
For operational engagement, the rest of the troops’ medals in the battle groups will be delivered in their respective areas of deployment.
In his remarks, the Ugandan Contingent Commander, Brig Gen Keith Katungi thanked BG XXXII for securing the important town of Barawe that has a seaport and airport that serve a vast area of lower Shabelle region and beyond.
“You have done a great job, including securing the elections of the members of Parliament of lower Shabelle that were held in Barawe,” he said.
Brig Gen Keith Katungi later presided over the handover and takeover of Battle Group command between the outgoing Battle Group (BG) Commander XXXII Col Charles Odong and the incoming Commander BG XXXV Col Benard Kashemeza
Presidential elections are expected to conclude before the end of April after the election of the speakers for both upper and lower houses.
The Ugandan forces working under ATMIS are mandated to secure both activities