The African Union has awarded medals to Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Battle Group 43 serving under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) in recognition of its contribution to peace and security in Somalia as it concluded its tour of duty.
At the same ceremony, Battle Group 47 officially assumed peacekeeping responsibilities under the African Union mission.
The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC), Ambassador Hadji Ibrahima Diene, officiated at the handover and takeover ceremony. He commended Battle Group 43 for supporting the Somali National Army (SNA) and the people of Somalia.
“We give you these medals in recognition of your excellent and outstanding service. We commend you for your sacrifice, courage, discipline, professionalism, resilience, and dedication in the implementation of the AUSSOM mandate,” he said.
Diene urged Battle Group 47 to build on the achievements of its predecessors and continue serving with professionalism, discipline, integrity, and respect for the Somali people and their culture.
He reminded the troops that they are ambassadors of Uganda and the African Union. He asked them to remain vigilant and maintain operational momentum.
He also paid tribute to the government of Uganda for its continued Pan-African commitment, noting that the country’s contribution had strengthened peace, security, and stabilisation efforts in Somalia.
The Uganda Contingent Commander, Brig Gen Jackson Kayanja, praised Battle Group 43 for its discipline and performance in degrading Al-Shabaab activities in the Lower Shabelle region.
He highlighted Operations Silent Storm, Hidden Sword, and Rolling Thunder, which led to the recapture of Sabiid-Anole, Bariire, Awdheegle, Mubarak, and Darusalam from the militants.
“Medals are earned through exemplary performance, and Battle Group 43 is being awarded these medals for being instrumental in dislodging Al-Shabaab activities in the mission area,” Brig Gen Kayanja said.
He also tasked Battle Group 47 with maintaining teamwork, vigilance, and professionalism during the mission.
In his handover remarks, Battle Group 43 Commander Col Robert Koch thanked the UPDF leadership for supporting the troops during deployment.
The incoming Battle Group 47 Commander, Col Wilson Barigye, pledged to work closely with sister forces and the Somali National Army to sustain gains made in the mission area. He also urged troops to uphold teamwork and discipline.
The ceremony attracted several military officials, including Sector One Deputy Contingent Commander Col Francis Aragamoi Obita, Commanding Officer of United Nations Guard Unit XII Lt Col Nathan Akankunda, Contingent Administration Officer Col Hamza Kasajja, asset commanders, partners, heads of departments, senior and junior officers, and non-commissioned officers.
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