The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC), El Hadji Ibrahima Diene, has praised the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces Battle Group 43 for its contribution to peace, security, and stabilisation efforts in Somalia.
The African Union formally awarded medals to the outgoing UPDF contingent serving under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia during a colourful handover and takeover ceremony that also marked the official assumption of duties by UPDF Battle Group 47.
Addressing officers and troops during the ceremony, Ambassador Diene commended Battle Group 43 for its sacrifice, courage, discipline, professionalism, and resilience demonstrated throughout its deployment.
“We give you these medals in recognition of your excellent and outstanding service. We commend you for your sacrifice, courage, discipline, professionalism, resilience, and dedication in the implementation of the AUSSOM mandate,” he said.
He further urged the incoming Battle Group 47 to maintain professionalism and integrity while building on the operational successes achieved by their predecessors.
“You are ambassadors of Uganda and the African Union. Continue serving with discipline, vigilance, and respect for the Somali people and their culture while maintaining operational momentum against threats to peace and stability,” Ambassador Diene added.
The African Union official also paid tribute to the Government of Uganda for its continued commitment to Pan-Africanism and peace support operations in Somalia, noting that Uganda’s contribution has played a significant role in strengthening regional peace and security.
The Contingent Commander, Brig Gen Jackson Kayanja, applauded Battle Group 43 for its operational effectiveness and commitment in countering Al-Shabaab activities in Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region.
According to Brig Gen Kayanja, the troops successfully conducted several military operations, including Operation Silent Storm, Operation Hidden Sword, and Operation Rolling Thunder, leading to the recapture of strategic areas such as Sabiid-Anole, Bariire, Awdheegle, Mubarak, and Darusalam from Al-Shabaab militants.
“Medals are earned through exemplary performance, and Battle Group 43 is being awarded these medals for being instrumental in dislodging Al-Shabaab activities in the mission area,” he said.
Brig Gen Kayanja further tasked the incoming Battle Group 47 with maintaining teamwork, vigilance, operational readiness, and professionalism while executing the African Union mandate.
In his farewell remarks, outgoing Battle Group 43 Commander Col Robert Koch thanked the UPDF leadership for supporting the troops throughout their deployment.
Meanwhile, incoming Battle Group 47 Commander Col Wilson Barigye pledged to work closely with sister forces and the Somali National Army to consolidate and sustain the gains achieved in the mission area.
He also called upon the troops under his command to uphold discipline, teamwork, and dedication while carrying out their peacekeeping responsibilities.
The ceremony was attended by senior military and mission officials, including Sector One Deputy Contingent Commander Col Francis Aragamoi Obita, Commanding Officer of United Nations Guard Unit XII Lt Col Nathan Akankunda, Contingent Administration Officer Col Hamza Kasajja, asset commanders, mission partners, heads of departments, officers, and non-commissioned officers.