The Commander of Ground Forces of Ugandan People’s Defense Forces, General Kayanja Muhanga who recently visited Somalia paid an inspection tour to Ugandan Military Base in Lower Shabelle province in order to inspect the real situation in the frontlines particularly in Sabiid and Anole settlement. The visit comes at a time when operations against Al-Shabab are underway and ways to support the Somali National Army (SNA) which carry out operations against the militant group.
During his visit, General Muhanga met with the Commanders of Ugandan troops particularly those that are part of AUSSOM. He commended the fight that the Ugandan troops engaged with Al-Shabab. The casualties that Ugandan soldiers were inflicted indicate the danger that soldiers face in carrying out operations against the terrorist groups.
He lauded the bravery and the efforts that Ugandan troops demonstrated. He reiterated that there is a need to strengthen the efforts which are aimed to restore stability in the provinces in which Al-Shabab were liberated from.
He pointed out that Sabiid and Anole settlement is important for both the Ugandan troops and the Somali National Army (SNA) as it is a strategic center where Al-Shabab mobilized its attacks. The Ugandan troops encountered obstacles in which seven Ugandan soldiers were killed in a fierce fighting that ensued between Ugandan troops and Al-Shabab fighters which occurred in Sabiid and Anole settlement.
His speech is said to represent that there is a commitment to capitalize on the gains so far made and to restore the security in order the community must not encounter problems.
Uganda plays an active role in the military operations in Somalia since 2007, and played a lion’s share when it comes to the fight against Al-Shabab.
Ugandan soldiers have a constant cooperation with Somali National Army (SNA) and is playing a vital role in the regional cooperation particularly in dealing with the security challenges in the Horn of Africa.
