UPDF soldiers awarded for excellence in Somalia
UPDF soldiers under Uganda Battle Group Twenty Three (UGABAG XXIII) have been awarded with medals and certificates for the good job in Somalia.
UGABAG XXIII recently ended their one year tour of duty in Somalia under the command of Col.Eliazari Zake Okolong.
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Uganda’s Deputy Ambassador to Somalia, Maj Gen Nathan Mugisha who was the chief guest at the award ceremony congratulated the battle group for a job well done in maintaining peace and stability through securing main supply routes, protection of civilians and neutralizing Al-Shabaab amidst numerous challenges.
“You exhibited resilience and determination during the mission. You have maintained the good image of UPDF by giving a bloody nose to Alshabaab when they attacked your defence in Bulomareer. Everyone is proud of you,”Maj.Gen.Mugisha said.
On April, 1, between 9 and 10am, Al Shabaab terrorists used the Easter holiday to launch simultaneous attacks at UPDF forward operating bases in Quoryole, Bulomareer, Golweyn and Mashallay in the Lower Shabelle region using Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIED) before launching mortar attacks on the bases but were repulsed by UPDF soldiers serving under the AMISOM.
At Bulomareer, a group of over 500 marauding militants attacked the base from nearly all directions before opening and maintaining and onslaught in a bid to advance and overrun the base but they suffered a bloody nose when over 30 militants were killed and others fled the fire facing them.
The Ugandan Deputy Ambassador to Somalia said the UPDF soldiers exhibited resilience and vigilance when they repelled the attack.
Maj Gen Maurice Gateretse, the Deputy Force Commander in charge of Support and Logistics who represented AMISOM Force Commander Lt Gen Jim Oweyesigyire applauded the outgoing UPDF battle group for exhibiting high level expertise and good discipline during their one year stay in Somalia.
“AMISOM is showing appreciation to the gallant UPDF soldiers for all the success registered during the mission. I appreciate those gallant comrades that have paid the ultimate price to see our brothers and sisters in Somalia enjoy peace and stability,” said Maj. Gen. Gateretse.
The outgoing UPDF Contingent Commander, Brig Paul Lokech applauded the Battle Group Commander Col Okolong and his men for their resilience, determination and courage they exhibited during the one year period in Somalia.
“At first people doubted us when we came to Somalia, today its eleven years down the road and they are supporting AMISOM.UPDF is determined to ensure that Somalia regains its sovereignty,”Brig.Lokech said.
The function saw all UPDF soldiers in UGABAGXXIII exiting Somalia after completing their duty of tour awarded African Union medals and certificates.
http://nilepost.co.ug/2018/04/02/inside-al-shabaab-attack-on-updf-amisom-base-on-easter/
UGABAGXIII commanded by Col.Eliazari Zake Okolong has been replaced by UGABAG XXVI under the command of Col Toffa Magino that left for Mogadishu last week in rotational format.
Uganda was the first African country to deploy troops under the African Union Mission in Somalia in 2007 and is currently the largest troop contributor of the 22,000 strong AMISOM force, contributing roughly 80 percent of the number.
The Ugandan troops control the largest area in Somalia after being deployed in Sector One in Benadir,(has 16 districts) Banadir, and Lower Shabelle regions having pushed Al Shabaab militants for over 200km away from Mogadishu city.
UPDF guards the Somali parliament, airport, UN offices and other key government installations in Somalia.
