AU Envoy Commends UPDF for Role in Somalia’s Stability

The Uganda military will always be cherished for its bravery to face Al-Shabaab in Somalia, according to Acting Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC), Kareem Adebayo.

Adebayo said Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) decision to deploy its troops in Somalia in 2007 at a time when everyone had thought Al-Shabaab was an extremely difficult terror group to face, showed a unique degree of bravery, determination and spirit protecting human life.

 

“I applauded Uganda for being the first country to deploy troops to Somalia under the African Union’s initiative at a time when the country was grappling with a devastating civil war and rampant piracy in the Indian Ocean. The role of Uganda, the UPDF, and its people will go down in the history of Africa for helping Somalia become what we see here today,” Adebayo said.

Adebayo was making his inaugural visit to UPDF Sector One headquarters in Mogadishu. Uganda was the first country to deploy its troops in Somalia in 2007 under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) which in 2021 became African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and it was last December changed into African Union Peace Support in Somalia (AUSSOM).

At the time Uganda first deployed its military, AMISOM was being fully funded by United Nations Security Council. The UN Security Council permanent member states such as US, UK, France, Germany, Russia and China fully funded the operations. 

When the US, UK, France and Germany chose to withdraw their funding to AMISOM because foreign force had outlived their purpose, AMISOM was changed to ATMIS because the AU said the Somali National Army (SNA) was not ready to handle its security needs.

Uganda, Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya and other countries reduce their troops in 2022 as part of the drawdown. However, many areas where foreign troops were withdrawn to let SNA takeover have since been recaptured by Al-Shabaab which legitimizes AU argument that Somalia forces still lack experience to march a well-organized terror group such as Al-Shabaab.

“UPDF will always be applauded for its steadfast role in stabilising Somalia. UPDF’s strength and operational effectiveness forced the Al-Shabaab insurgents to shift tactics to complex asymmetrical warfare, unable to confront Ugandan troops head-on,” Adebayo added.

Lt Gen Sam Kavuma, AUSSOM Commandant, said Sector One, under UPDF command, is the centre of gravity and pivotal to the stability and functioning of Somalia. This shows the strategic importance of Uganda’s deployment.

Adebayo further expressed deep appreciation to the UPDF and the Ugandan government for their enduring commitment to peace and security in Somalia. “I pledge that AU will continue to provide support for civil-military cooperation initiatives aimed at improving the lives of Somali citizens and reaffirm the continental body’s dedication to ensuring Somalia is not left behind,” Adebayo said.

Lt Gen Kavuma hailed the visit as timely and significant, reiterating the strategic value of Sector One. Brig Gen Joseph Ssemwanga, the Sector One Commander, described Adebayo’s visit as “a great morale booster” for the troops.

AUSSOM Sector One encompasses the Lower Shabelle region, Somalia’s agricultural heartland and hosts key installations including Villa Somalia (the presidential palace), Parliament, Mogadishu International Airport, the seaport, foreign embassies, and offices of international organisations. The meeting was also attended by Sector Administration Officer Col John Mark Ssemanda, and Sector One Operations Officer Col David Watasa.