Monday April 17, 2023
Mogadishu (HOL) - The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has recognized the outgoing Uganda Peoples Defense Forces (UPDF) troops for their exceptional service in the peace support mission in Somalia during a medal award ceremony for officers of Battle Group 35. ATMIS acting Force Commander Maj. Gen. Peter Kimani Muteti expressed his appreciation for the troops' resilience and professionalism in their efforts to restore peace and stability in the country. The UPDF's commitment to fighting the threat posed by the Al-Shabaab terrorist group has earned the ATMIS numerous accolades.
In his speech, Maj. Gen. Muteti said, "The deployment of Battle Group 35 was quite a testing and challenging experience, but the courage and resilience they displayed represents the finest values of professionalism in soldiering. The ATMIS leadership genuinely appreciates the work ethic and culture of the troops, a trait earned as a result of UPDF's strong background in military training."
Uganda was the first country to deploy troops under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) in March 2007. Over 3,000 UPDF soldiers are currently stationed in the country, making it the largest contingent in AMISOM. However, recent concerns about accountability have arisen as various cohorts of Ugandan military personnel deployed for peacekeeping operations in Somalia have gone without pay for extended periods.
The outgoing battalion, which has completed its one-year tour of duty under the command of Col. Benard Kashemeza, will be replaced by Battle Group 38, led by Col. Christopher Berochan. ATMIS Sector One Commander Brig. Gen. Peter Omola applauded the troops for their successful joint military offensives with the Somali National Army (SNA) against Al-Shabaab and for detecting and detonating several IEDs and participating in civil-military cooperation activities.
Brig. Gen. Omola said, "I want, in a special way, to thank Battle Group 35 for the sacrifices and dedication towards the restoration of peace in Somalia." The outgoing battalion, Battle Group 35, was responsible for securing Baraawe and Beled Amiin sub-sectors and operated from multiple forward operating bases.