Ugandan troops have joined Somali soldiers and a humanitarian organisation to bring medical services to vulnerable residents of Bariire town in Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region.
The outreach brought together Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) personnel serving under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), the Somali National Army and Human Smile.
Human Smile, a Belgium-based international humanitarian organisation, organised the exercise to improve access to healthcare and support communities in need.
The organisation’s representative, Muhammed Aburishida, said the initiative sought to help vulnerable residents and improve their health.
Bariire District Commissioner Ahmed Busur welcomed the outreach and thanked the organisers for taking medical services to the community. He urged them to extend similar support to other areas of Somalia where residents need care.
The battle group’s second-in-command, Lt Col Gideon Lucky Muhumuza, said the exercise showed how security forces and humanitarian organisations could work together to improve access to essential healthcare.
He said such partnerships also build trust between troops and the communities they serve.
Lt Col Muhumuza added that joint efforts involving AUSSOM, Somali soldiers and humanitarian organisations help save lives and support peace and stability.
Major Charles Opolot, the commander of the Bariire forward operating base, attended the outreach alongside Somali army commanders and other security personnel.