Somali army not ready to take over- UPDF
The Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) contingent commander in Somalia, Brig. Gen Paul Lokech contends that a decision by donors of the African Union peace-keeping Mission in Somali (AMISOM) to have forces start preparations to withdraw from Mogadishu is not viable.
During the meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defence from the AMISOM Troop Contributing Countries at Speke Resort Munyonyo in March, there was a resolution to have a drawdown of AMISOM troops.
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At the same meeting, Minister of Foreign Affairs Sam Kutesa warned that if not well prepared, the gains by the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) might soon be soiled.
Kutesa said achievements by troops needed to be consolidated through support to government to be able to build its own national forces adding that the withdraw of AMISOM forces should correspond with strengthening of the Somali national forces.
Now Brig Gen Lokech also argues that the drawdown is “not practical yet as the country especially the Somali National Army are not ready.”
Lokech laughed at those that think that the troops do not want to return home because of the business opportunities in Somalia, saying they do not know the implications of war. He said the continued stay by the UPDF in Somalia is to avoid the spill over effects of Al-shabaab insurgency to Uganda.
“The withdraw of AMISOm troops should be handled carefully, otherwise the situation will spill over like it was 10 years ago. The transition should not be rushed, the Somali army has been trained but it is not yet ready to take on some responsibilities,” he said.
Lokech, also applauded the fight put up UPDF soldiers in Somalia following the recent attack by Al-Shabaab that claimed lives of eight UPDF soldiers on Easter Sunday.
He said soldiers that were injured have recovered with the remaining troops on ground in good condition.
“Our boys and girls did well. Those that were flown to Nairobi have recovered and are back home,” he said.
“When AMISOM started this mission ten years ago, different individuals had different reactions with many saying the mission is dead on arrival, but the troops on ground have proved them wrong,” he added.
Uganda continues to maintain its largest number of troops in Somalia with most of them occupying the capital Mogadishu as well as the lower Shabelle region.
