Here's How UPDF Celebrated Tarehe Sita in Somalia

Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces in Somalia serving under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) conducted activities in commemoration of the 42^nd Tarehe Sita in Mogadishu and Ceeljaale regions of Somalia.

UPDF Contingent Commander Brig Peter Gaetano Omola led the troops to clean Marina Market in Mogadishu.

He said: “UPDF values the local population as key to its success. That’s why we are carrying out these activities to give back to you, the community, as a way of appreciating the support you have always rendered to us. Without you, we can’t do much.”

Brig Omola further thanked the soldiers for their important role in partnering with ATMIS forces to defeat Alshabaab and urged them to maintain the spirit.

The Chairman of Marina market Abdallah Mohamed Ali appreciated the great work of cleaning the market by UPDF as a sign of love and respect UPDF has for the people of Somalia.

“I have grown into an old man but I have never seen or heard of an army that respects the local population like UPDF. I am a living testimony to this and I have the trust and confidence that Alshabaab propagandists will be defeated completely, we shall continue to support you for this justified cause,” said Abdullah Ali.

The forces also conducted a medical outreach.

In Ceeljaale, troops of Battle Group 37 marked Tarehe Sita festivals by cleaning Ceeljaale market, Fiqi primary and secondary school, and Almunye primary school.

Col Charles Kibaate Asiimwe, the Battle Group Commander, headed the exercise and appreciated the population in Ceeljaale for the support they have rendered to UPDF and Somali Security Forces that has helped flush out Alshabaab in the area.

District Commissioner Marka, Mohamed Osman Musa, congratulated UPDF up on its 42^nd Tarehe Sita and pledged full support.

SNA commander for Ceeljaale battalion, Maj Abdukadir Munye, was also present in Ceeljaale.