UPDF hands over Mogadishu national stadium to Somalia government
Uganda AMISOM contingent has officially handed over the Somali National Stadium to the Government of Somalia as part of AMISOM’s transitional plan.
Located in Warta, Nabada, Wardhiigley District and boardering with Yaagshiid District in the East, Howl-Wadaga in the West and Bodhere in the South, Mogadishu stadium had fallen into the hands of the Al Shabaab militants until it was liberated by UPDF AMISOM forces in 2011.
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Speaking at the function, the Somalia President, Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmajo applauded the UPDF for their sacrifice and patriotism that led to the defeat of Alshabab in Mogadishu City.
Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of African Union Commission (D/SRCC) Hon. Simon Mulongo, said that the handover of Mogadishu stadium ws a major step in the process of AMISOM’s transitional plan.
According to AMISOM’s Uganda Contingent Commander, Brig.Gen Paul Lokech, the handover of the stadium to the Somalia government is to allow them rehabilitate it and have it put to its proper use.
Lokech added that the stadium was very useful in pacifying Mogadishu City and promised to continue carrying out joint operations with Somali National Army (SNA) so that the city remains peaceful.
The 60,000 seater stadium in 1973 hosted the All African Games in which Uganda was represented by Kampala City Council Football Club (turned Kampala City Council Authority-KCCA).
It was however captured by the Al Quaeda affiliated insurgents but was liberated from Al-Shabab on 6th September 2011 by Uganda’s Battle Group VII,VIII and Somalia National Army (SNA) during offensive operations that were aimed at liberating Mogadishu from the Al-Shabab.
UPDF would later deploy at the stadium making it AMISOM’s forward base in an effort to pacify Somalia’s capital and it’s out skirts.
The stadium has also been a base for both Uganda and Nigeria Police serving under AMISOM.
