Brig.Kabango takes over as UPDF contingent commander in Somalia

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.