The Uganda People's Defence Forces has completed a month-long Organic Support Weapons course for 45 soldiers of the Somali National Army to boost security operations in Lower Shabelle.
The soldiers, drawn from the 62 Battalion under the 06 Brigade, trained under UPDF Battle Group 43.
The programme ran at the Shalamboti Forward Operating Base under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia.
Representing the Battle Group 43 Commander, the Battle Group Military Information Officer, Major Silvan Manirinde, commended the trainees for their performance during final field exercises.
“You have displayed discipline, bravery, and professionalism throughout this course. The expertise you have gained will greatly strengthen your capacity to confront threats from Al-Shabaab,” Maj Manirinde said.
He emphasized the ongoing cooperation between the UPDF and the Somali National Army to improve operational readiness and prepare for a smooth transfer of security responsibilities.
The Deputy Commander of the 06 Brigade, Maj Bishar Ousma, urged the graduates to apply their new skills to maintain combat readiness.
He called on them to remain vigilant despite recent setbacks suffered by Al-Shabaab.
The Commanding Officer of the 133 Battalion, Major Zubairi Amson, praised the soldiers for their discipline.
He encouraged them to pass on the skills acquired to colleagues who did not attend the training.
“You are now force multipliers. Share these skills with your colleagues so that collectively you can secure Shalamboti and the wider Lower Shabelle region,” he said.
Security officials, including the Shalamboti Police Commander and a representative from the Marka District Commissioner’s office, attended the graduation ceremony alongside Battle Group 43 leaders and Somali security commanders.
