A commander of Ugandan peacekeeping forces in Somalia has called on local leaders to play an active role in promoting peace and stability during the holy month of Ramadan.
Justus Musenene, commander of Battle Group 45 of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) serving under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia, made the appeal during an engagement with community leaders in Barawe.
During the meeting, UPDF troops also distributed food items to vulnerable families to support them during Ramadan.
Musenene urged community leaders to cooperate with security forces by sharing information that could help in the fight against the militant group Al‑Shabaab.
“If you receive any information on the whereabouts of Al-Shabaab, report it immediately. We are here to protect the people of Somalia and their property,” Musenene said.
He also encouraged local leaders to mobilise residents to resume normal economic activities, noting that the relative peace established by AUSSOM forces has created opportunities for socio-economic recovery.
According to the commander, sustained peace in the area depends on strong collaboration between security forces and local communities.
Umaru Abdulai Muhammad, the District Commissioner for Barawe Sub-sector, commended the UPDF for maintaining stability in the region.
He praised Musenene and the Ugandan contingent for their role in protecting civilians and urged community leaders to continue providing timely security information to the forces.
The engagement brought together senior and junior administrative officers as well as local community leaders who discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between residents and peacekeeping troops in maintaining security in the area.
