ATMIS Honours UPDF Battlegroup 39 for Exceptional Service in Somalia

The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Battlegroup 39 (BG XXXIX), deployed under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), was honoured for its exemplary service with medals and certificates during a ceremony held in Mogadishu.

Presiding over the event, ATMIS Force Commander Lt Gen Sam Kavuma acknowledged the battlegroup’s crucial contributions to the mission, particularly in weakening Al-Shabaab, safeguarding local communities, and supporting Somali Security Forces (SSF) in strengthening national security.

“We thank God as we celebrate and recognise the soldiers by awarding them medals. The biggest payment in a medal is the recognition of one’s work, and I am happy to be here at this wonderful function,” said Lt Gen Kavuma.

He further lauded the troops’ dedication to both ATMIS and Uganda, paying tribute to those who were injured or lost their lives in service, and highlighted their sacrifices as embodying the spirit of Pan-Africanism.

Uganda’s Contingent Commander, Brig Gen Anthony Lukwago Mbuusi, expressed pride in the battlegroup’s achievements.

“The Battlegroup commenced its mission operations in November and was deployed to various ATMIS locations within the hostile Banadir and Lower Shabelle regions of Somalia,” he said.

Despite repeated Al-Shabaab attacks on Forward Operating Bases (FOBs), Brig Gen Mbuusi emphasized the battlegroup’s resilience in defending its positions, protecting local communities, and ensuring the security of critical supply routes.

He commended their bravery, professionalism, and determination in denying Al-Shabaab freedom of action.

BG XXXIX’s service was officially recognised with medals and certificates, awarded according to ATMIS Standard Operating Procedures under Article 4, Clause 17, which governs awards and ceremonies.

The event was graced by notable dignitaries, including Uganda’s Defence Advisor to Somalia, Brig Gen Francis Chemo; incoming Uganda Contingent Commander, Brig Gen Joseph Ssemwanga; Col Christopher Tumwine, Deputy Sector One Commander; BG XXXIX commander Col Bernard Kashemeza; and representatives from Battlegroups XL, XLI, and XLII, alongside senior and junior officers of the Uganda contingent.