The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) contingent serving under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) has received a new Deputy Contingent Commander, Colonel Jude Rukubya.
Colonel Rukubya replaces Colonel Francis Obita Aragamoi following the successful completion of his diplomatic and military tour of duty.
The military transition occurs as Ugandan troops scale up security operations to stabilize and secure fractured regional areas under the updated African Union mandate.
The Contingent Commander, Brig Gen Jackson Kayanja, presided over the formal handover and takeover ceremony.
Brig Gen Kayanja highly commended the outgoing deputy commander for his operational leadership, battlefield professionalism, and dedication during his foreign deployment.
The commander highlighted Col Aragamoi’s strategic contributions to major pacification campaigns, including Operations Silent Storm, Hidden Sword, and Rolling Thunder.
These military campaigns played a central role in liberating and stabilizing key regions, including Sabiid-Anole, Barrire, Awadglee, Mubarak, Durasalaam, Jerib, and Danane.
“Col Aragamoi has performed exceptionally well during his tenure as Deputy Contingent Commander," Brig Gen Kayanja stated. "His leadership in Operations Silent Storm, Hidden Sword, and Rolling Thunder greatly contributed to the mission’s success. He has been hardworking, dedicated, and cooperative,” Kayanja added.
The commander welcomed Col Rukubya to the station, noting that his vast field experience will strengthen the contingent's overall capacity to deliver on its mandates.
Col Aragamoi expressed his gratitude to the top UPDF leadership for trusting him with the high-stakes deployment in the mission area.
“I sincerely thank the UPDF strategic leadership for the opportunity to serve in the mission area," Col Aragamoi remarked. "I am equally grateful to the Contingent Commander for his guidance and support during my time in office,” he noted.
The incoming Deputy Commander, Col Rukubya, pledged to consolidate the security milestones achieved by his predecessor.
He emphasized that the unit will leverage active teamwork, strict discipline, and military professionalism to restore lasting peace in Somalia.
The event also featured a parallel administrative handover within the unit's operations department.
Lt Col Garvas Kabagambe officially handed over the duties of Contingent Operations Officer to Lt Col Joseph Tibenda Uma Savimbi.
The deployment ceremony attracted senior officers, junior officers, and non-commissioned personnel serving across the horn of Africa.
