Uganda deploys 48th Military contingent to Somalia to replace outgoing Troops

Uganda has deployed a new military contingent to Somalia to replace troops whose deployment period has ended, according to officials from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).

The 48th contingent will take over from the 45th contingent, which has completed its assigned tour of duty as part of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

Speaking to the incoming troops, Uganda’s Deputy Land Forces Commander, Brigadier General Felix Busizoori, urged them to fulfil their responsibilities and avoid conduct that could undermine their reputation or violate the laws of Uganda and Somalia.

Busizoori commended the outgoing contingent and called on the incoming soldiers and officers to maintain the standards demonstrated by the troops they are replacing.

The incoming contingent also received training on military discipline ahead of its deployment. The training follows previous reports of misconduct involving Ugandan personnel in Somalia, including allegations of violations of national laws, military conduct standards and international regulations.

Uganda maintains several categories of personnel in Somalia, including military and police officers serving under AUSSOM, as well as personnel working with the United Nations mission in Mogadishu under the UN peacekeeping framework.

Mustaqbal