Forty-five soldiers of the 62 Battalion under the 06 Brigade of the Somali National Army (SNA) have successfully completed an intensive one-month Organic Support Weapons training course conducted by the Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF) Battle Group 43.
The training was delivered under the auspices of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) at the Shalamboti Forward Operating Base in Lower Shabelle. The course focused on enhancing the soldiers’ technical proficiency in handling organic support weapons systems, tactical coordination, and field operations to strengthen frontline operational effectiveness.
Speaking on behalf of the Battle Group 43 Commander, the Battle Group Military Information Officer, Major Silvan Manirinde, commended the participants for their dedication and performance throughout the rigorous program.
“You have shown discipline, courage, and professionalism throughout the training. The skills you have acquired will significantly enhance your ability to counter threats posed by Al-Shabaab,” he said during the pass-out ceremony.
Manirinde emphasized the enduring collaboration between the UPDF and the SNA in building sustainable security structures and strengthening Somalia’s operational capacity as security responsibilities gradually transition to Somali forces.
The Deputy Commander of the 06 Brigade, Major Bishar Ousma, encouraged the graduates to apply their newly acquired skills effectively in ongoing operations.
“Despite the significant weakening of Al-Shabaab, we must remain vigilant and operationally ready at all times. I urge you to put into practice what you have learned to safeguard our communities,” he said.
Also addressing the ceremony, the Commanding Officer of 133 Battalion, Major Zubairi Amson, praised the soldiers for their discipline and commitment throughout the course. He urged them to serve as force multipliers within their respective units.
“You are now force multipliers. Pass on these skills to your fellow soldiers so that together you can effectively defend Shalamboti and the rest of Lower Shabelle,” he said.
The completion of the training marks another milestone in the ongoing partnership between the UPDF and the SNA aimed at enhancing Somalia’s security architecture and accelerating the stabilization of key areas in Lower Shabelle.
The pass-out ceremony was attended by the Shalamboti Police Commander, a representative of the Marka District Commissioner’s office, heads of departments from Battle Group 43, and commanders of the Somali security forces.
As joint efforts continue under AUSSOM’s mandate, such capacity-building initiatives remain central to empowering Somali-led security operations and ensuring long-term peace and stability across the region.
