By Faridah N Kulumba
Africa-Press – Uganda. The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) recently deployed Battle Group XLIV (44) to serve under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). The flag-off ceremony that took place at the International Peace Support Operations Training Centre (IPSO-TC) in Central Uganda was presided over by Maj Gen Stephen Mugerwa, Commander of the 1st Infantry Division, representing Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga, Commander Land Forces.
Uganda’s mission under AUSSOM
Ever since the AUSSOM was launched Uganda has deployed 12 battle groups under the union in Somalia the most recent deployment, Battle Group XLIV (44). Uganda is one of the troop contributing countries in Somalia, serving alongside Burundi, Kenya, Ethiopia and Djibouti.
The battle groups are expected to stabilize Somalia by fighting the Al-Shabaab. In 2024, during the signing of the Implementation Agreement between the governments of the Republic of Uganda and the Federal Government of Somalia,praised the significant role of the Ugandan troops in Somalia, noting that their presence has not only stabilised the region but has also provided a foundation for educational and community-building initiatives.In 2007 Uganda became part of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) which ensured Somalia was liberated from al Shabaab Islamic insurgents. Uganda was the first country to send troops to Somalia and this opened the way for other African countries including Djibouti, Kenya, and Ethiopia to also deploy in the mission which was at one time dubbed as “dead on arrival” until UPDF’s arrival.In March 2022, the Peace and Security Council of the African Union issued a communique detailing the mandate of the African Transition Mission in Somalia (Atmis).
It said the new mission which replaced the African Union Mission in Somalia or Amisom, would continue to fight the al Shabaab militant group and develop the capacity of Somali Armed Forces (SAF) to take over security. Al-Shabab has been fighting since 2006 to replace Somalia’s Western-backed government with its own rule based on a strict interpretation of Islamic law. In May 2023, more than 50 Ugandan soldiers were killed in Somalia by Al Shabab. This incident led some Ugandans especially politicians from the opposition parties, to question the army’s involvement in Somalia and the benefit to the country. Those who opposed the UPDF presence in Somalia appealed to the government to withdraw the remaining troops. However, Ugandan authorities explained that what happened to the UPDF army in Somalia will not distract their mission.
Has Uganda made an impact in Somalia?
20th February 2025, the AUSSOM saluted the UPDF for their dedication and contribution to the restoration of peace and stability in Somalia. This recognition was made during a medal and certificate award ceremony to honour soldiers of Battle Group XL who completed a one-year tour of duty with AUSSOM in Somalia. The ceremony, held at the AUSSOM Uganda contingent headquarters in Mogadishu, was presided over by AUSSOM Force Commander, Lt Gen Sam Kavuma who commended the outgoing battle group for successfully implementing AUSSOM’s mandate, enhancing civilian safety in Somalia, and fostering development through the provision of peace and security. last year, Somalia’s Minister of Defence, His Excellency Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur appreciated the commitment and sacrifices made by Uganda noting that this collective effort is essential for ongoing support and development in Somalia. Adding that the collaboration reflects shared values of Pan-Africanism and solidarity and is crucial for transferring security responsibilities smoothly to Somali authorities. Also, the Commander of the Somalia National Armed Forces, Maj Gen Ibrahim Sheikh Muhudin, expressed gratitude to Uganda for its unwavering commitment to combating terrorism and reaffirming stability in times of need. He acknowledged the contributions of the UPDF and the work of both countries’ technical teams in clarifying troop responsibilities and tasks. Al-Shabab, the armed group linked to al-Qaeda frequently targets military and state institutions in its efforts to overthrow Somalia’s government, which has launched an ongoing offensive against it. Somalia remains embroiled in a long-standing battle against the Islamist extremist group al-Shabaab, which continues to undermine the government’s authority and destabilize the country.
Security cooperations
The governments of Uganda and Somalia signed a joint communiqué to enhance strong defence cooperation between the two East African nations. The signing took place in Kampala during a meeting between Hon. Jacob Oboth Oboth, Uganda’s Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, and his Somali counterpart, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, the Minister of Defence of the Federal Government of Somalia. Also in November 2024, Uganda and Somalia committed to strengthen diplomatic relations and reinforce collaborative security efforts between the two countries. The commitment followed a meeting that was held between Uganda’s Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon Oboth, and Somalia’s Minister of Defence, His Excellency Mohamed Nur, at Serena Hotel, Kampala.
About AUSSOM
The United Nations (UN) Security Council Resolution 2767 (2024) endorsed the African Union Peace and Security Council’s decision to replace the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) with the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) which began operations on 1st January 2025. AUSSOM’s primary goals are to support the Somali government in stabilizing the country, strengthening security forces, and ultimately transferring security responsibilities to Somali forces by December 2029.
AUSSOM’s mandate includes:
•Supporting the Somali government in degrading Al-Shabaab and affiliated groups.
•Prioritizing the protection of civilians.
•Supporting state-building and capacity-building of Somali security and police forces.
•Contributing to the creation of a secure environment for humanitarian assistance.
•Facilitating the orderly transfer of security responsibilities to Somali forces.
AUSSOM is expected to be more agile and mobile than its predecessor, ATMIS, and will operate in a phased approach, with clear timelines and a focus on aligning with the Somali Security Development Plan (SSDP) and National Security Architecture (NSA).
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