Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) troops serving under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) have been urged to maintain discipline, professionalism, vigilance, and unity while executing their mandate in Somalia.
This call was made by the Sector One Commander of AUSSOM, Brigadier General Jackson Kayanja, during a two-day tour of UPDF troops deployed in the Barawe Sub-Sector.
Addressing commanders and troops, Brig Gen Kayanja commended the soldiers for maintaining high standards of discipline and professionalism while conducting operations, describing their conduct as a reflection of strong ideological orientation and commitment to duty.
“I want to thank you for the discipline you portray while conducting your operations in this area. I haven’t heard any serious cases of indiscipline, and this shows that you are ideologically oriented. Keep it up,” he said.
Brig Gen Kayanja expressed appreciation to President Museveni, Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) & Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations (SPA/SO), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and the Government of Uganda for their continued support and guidance to the mission.
“Without good leadership, you cannot be successful,” he said, urgingthe troops to protect and consolidate the gains achieved both in Somalia and Uganda, noting that the sacrifices made over the years must be safeguarded.
“We need to protect and consolidate our gains. We cannot go back to zero because we have come from far,” he said.
Brig Gen Kayanja further emphasised the importance of Pan-Africanism, teamwork, comradeship, cooperation, unity, and maintaining good health among troops. He also encouraged the soldiers to remain vigilant and security conscious while executing their mandate.
During the tour, Brig Gen Kayanja tasked commanders and troops to remain focused on fulfilling AUSSOM’s mandate of protecting the people of Somalia, degrading Al-Shabaab, and rebuilding and mentoring the Somali National Army.
In his remarks, the Battle Group 45 Commander, Colonel Justus Musenene, applauded Brig Gen Kayanja for visiting the troops, saying the engagement had boosted their morale.
Col Musenene pledged continued cooperation towards achieving the mission’s objectives and urged soldiers to uphold professionalism, safeguard Uganda’s integrity, and continue flying the national flag high.
The tour was also attended by Asset Commanders, Component Commanders, Heads of Departments, and other senior and junior UPDF officers.
