The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador El-Hadji Ibrahima Diene, has commended the troops of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) serving under Battle Group 47 for their role in pacifying the Lower Shabelle region and stabilizing Somalia.
Ambassador Diene delivered the commendation during an operational assessment tour of the Battle Group’s headquarters at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ceeljaale, alongside strategic field detachments across the Marka and Qoryooley sub-sectors.
Addressing field commanders and frontline troops, the AU envoy praised the discipline, tactical resilience, and pan-African commitment exhibited by the Ugandan contingent since the initial deployment of African Union forces.
“We express our appreciation for the outstanding work you have done in the mission area. We are impressed by what the UPDF has always stood for, not only in East Africa but across Africa and the world,” Ambassador Diene said.
He urged the forces to maintain round-the-clock battlefield vigilance, defend forward operating bases against asymmetric threats, and continue creating secure conditions for humanitarian access and civilian protection within their designated Area of Responsibility (AOR).
The Sector One Commander and Acting Force Commander, Brig. Gen. Jackson Kayanja, reminded commanders and field personnel to preserve military professionalism while operating strictly within the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) framework.
“Let us remain focused and continue to work within our mandate to support the Government of Somalia and the Somali National Army,” Brig. Gen. Kayanja noted, emphasizing the importance of coordinated joint operations as national security forces assume greater territorial control.
Battle Group 47 Commander, Col. Wilson Barigye, affirmed the battle group’s readiness to dominate its operational zone and deny Al-Shabaab insurgents freedom of maneuver.
“As a Battle Group, we remain focused on upholding the AUSSOM mandate, supporting the peaceful transition and stabilisation of Somali security forces, and contributing to efforts to degrade and deny Al-Shabaab freedom of movement and action in order to enhance peace and security for local communities,” Col. Barigye said.
The assessment tour was attended by the Contingent Military Information Officer, Lt. Col. Richard Ssejemba, senior officials from AUSSOM Mission Headquarters, and command staff from Battle Group 47.
