UPDF Awarded for Honorable Service in Somalia

The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) has recognized the contribution of the Ugandan peacekeepers by awarding them medals of honor.

Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) battle group XX has been part of the AMISOM peacekeeping mission under the command of Col Bernard Tuhame.

The UPDF battle group XX troops received the medals upon completion of their tour of duty in Somalia at a ceremony organized by the Ugandan contingent at their headquarters in Mogadishu.

The event sought to congratulate them for their efforts since 2007 to restore security in the fragile country which still faces a threat from the Al-Qaeda linked Al-Shabaab terror group.

Officers and men were decorated with medals of honour in appreciation by the Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Simon Mulongo who was chief guest.

In his remarks during the ceremony, the Ugandan contingent Commander Brig Kayanja Muhanga thanked Battle Group XX for the job well done in maintaining peace in Somalia by protecting main supply routes, protection of civilians and neutralizing Al-Shabaab militants amidst challenges.

Similarly, the Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) Simon Mulongo appreciated and congratulated the outgoing battle group XX for their life sacrifice towards the development of the Somali people.

The function was attended among others by Uganda’s Deputy Ambassador to Somalia Maj Gen Nathan Mugisha, the Deputy Force Commander Maj Gen Salvatore Harushimana and the AMISOM Chief of Staff Brig Ayub Matiri.