12 UPDF soldiers killed, 7 injured in Somalia-spokesman  

Uganda People’s Defence Force [UPDF] Spokesman, Brig Richard Karemire, has said the Uganda peacekeeping force in Somalia lost 12 gallant soldiers with 07 sustaining injuries.

Al Shabaab militants ambushed a joint SNA/AMISOM troops at Goryowein along Bulu-maler and Beladamin, on Sunday 30 July 2017.

Somalia contingent commander, Brig Kayanja Muhanga, has visited the scene where Al Shabaab militants launched an ambush on Uganda troops of Battle Group XX in Lower Shebelle region to conduct counter operations.

“The dead and those injured have been evacuated to Mogadishu Level II Hospital for further management and treatment,” Brig Karemire said in a statement.

Karemire said the UPDF office of Chief of Personnel and Administration is contacting the next of kin of the deceased and injured to inform them of the developments while arrangements are being made to transport deceased comrades to their homes of origin for descent burial.

Meanwhile, a board of inquiry is being constituted to establish circumstances leading to this fateful incident.

He said the same board of inquiry will help in expediting the compensation process by the African Union in respect of the deceased who gave their lives in defence of mother Africa.

“Our deepest sympathy and condolences go to the families of our departed comrades and the struggle for peace and stability in Africa continues.”

Al Shabaab claims to have killed 39 African Union soldiers in total including one Somalia National Army soldier.