Brig.Kabango takes over as UPDF contingent commander in Somalia
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Brig Michael Kabango has taken over as the UPDF contingent
commander in Somalia to replace Birg.Paul Lokech who completed his tour of duty
recently.
The function to inaugurate Brig.Kabango was presided over by
the UPDF commander for land forces,Maj.Gen Peter Elwelu.
Speaking at the function in Mogadishu, Maj.Gen.Elwelu
applauded Brig. Lokech for a job well done during his one-year tour as Uganda
Contingent Commander in Somalia.
He added that Somalia mission is important not only to
Uganda’s ideology of Pan-Africanism but also to the world at large.
Gen Elwelu reminded UPDF officers and men operating under
AMISOM that “every man on earth has a mission to accomplish”.
He noted that before 2007 when Somalia turmoil was at its
peak, the country was regarded as a “hell on earth” and whoever suggested to
operate or deploy in Somalia was termed as “dead on arrival” but noted that Uganda
turned around the situation enabling other countries to deploy their troops.
Brig.Lokech outlined UPDF-AMISOM’s achievements within 2018
including re-occupation of Marka port from Al-Shabaab, the handover of the
symbolic Mogadishu National stadium to government, revamping of Barawe and
Ceel-jale ports, joint operations between UPDF-AMISOM and various civil
military cooperation activities to Somali people.
“Civil military activities have made wonders in winning the
hearts and minds of the Somali population. As a result, Somalis look at UPDF as
a force that is here to help them,”Brig.Lokech noted.
The new contingent commander, Brig Kabango appreciated UPDF
leadership for wisdom in appointing him as AMISOM sector one commander adding
that he will build on achievements of his predecessors to ensure peace for
Somalis.
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.
