The Force Commander of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), Lieutenant General Sam Kavuma, has commended joint troops of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Somalia National Army (SNA) for their resilience and professionalism after capturing the towns of Mubarak and Darussalam during ongoing operations against Al-Shabaab.
Lt Gen Kavuma made the remarks while visiting troops in the recently liberated town of Mubarak to assess their combat readiness.
“We are all here sweating, fighting and making sacrifices to eliminate Al-Shabaab and save our brothers and sisters of Somalia,” Lt Gen Kavuma told the troops.
The Force Commander praised the Sector One Commander, Brig Gen Jackson Kayanja, his team, and other partners for effective planning and execution of the operation.
During the visit, Lt Gen Kavuma also met members of the local community. He thanked them for welcoming and supporting AUSSOM forces. He encouraged residents to embrace peace, security and stability, and to engage in socio-economic activities that can help rebuild their communities.
“Without peace, security and stability, people cannot live meaningful lives. We are here so that you can enjoy peace. We are your friends, and Al-Shabaab is your enemy because it has denied you peace,” Lt Gen Kavuma said.
The Sector One Contingent Commander, Brigadier General Jackson Kayanja, said troop morale remains high and that they are ready to consolidate the gains made during the operation.
He praised the strong cooperation between AUSSOM/UPDF and SNA troops and urged them to maintain the same spirit going forward.
Battle Group 44 Commander, Col Owiny Akena, who also serves as the operation commander, said the towns of Mubarak and Darussalam have been successfully liberated and are now under the full control of AUSSOM/UPDF forces.
On behalf of the Somalia National Army, Lt Sayidnuur Abdullah Warsame praised the UPDF for its support and for demonstrating professionalism and discipline during the operation.
Members of the local community also praised the joint forces for restoring peace and stability in the area.
“We have been suffering for a long time, but ever since you arrived in the area, we feel relieved,” one community member said.
Lt Gen Kavuma was accompanied by senior and junior officers from both the UPDF and SNA during the visit.
