Museveni Places Death Toll of UPDF Soldiers in Somalia at 8, Condoles With Families

President Yoweri Museveni has condoled with families of fallen UPDF soldiers who lost their lives during a battle with the Al-Shabaab militants in Somalia.

On Sunday, the Ugandan army spokesperson, Brig Richard Karemire reported that 4 UPDF soldiers serving as peacekeepers under AMISOM in Somalia had been killed and 6 others injured during the altercation with the terror group.

In exchange, over 30 Al-Shabaab terrorists were eliminated in a foiled attack on the AMISOM Forward Operating Bases at Quoroyole, Buoolomere and Golwen in Lower Shabelle Region of Somalia.

Read More: 30 Al-Shabaab Militants Eliminated as UPDF Foil Attack on AMISOM Base

However, when President Museveni took to his Facebook page to condole with the families of the Ugandan soldiers who died on the mission, he placed the number of the killed at 8. This is two times the official number that Brig Karemire had stated two days ago.

Museveni said that the 8 Ugandan soldiers who were in one of the camps were killed by a detonated vehicle belonging to Al-Shabaab which rammed into the camp.

“On Easter Sunday our soldiers in Somalia heroically gave serious blows to Al-Shabaab, killing 36 of them and destroying six vehicles full of explosives. This was because they were alert,” Museveni wrote.

He added; “Unfortunately, two vehicles of the enemy entered one of the three sites attacked. One vehicle was detonated and killed eight of our soldiers. May their souls rest in eternal peace”.

“I extend condolences to their families”.

Nonetheless, Museveni said that it was “gratifying” that the “bold but adventurous strategy of Al-Shabaab failed” adding that with constant vigilance, victory is assured.

“I congratulate our soldiers for the good work, the death of eight of our soldiers not withstanding,” he wrote.