MOGADISHU – The Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of African Union Commission (DSRCC) for Somalia Simon Mulongo has on Saturday, December 7 awarded Medals and certificates to UPDF Battle Group Twenty-Six (BG XXVI) that completed a year-long tour of duty in Somalia.
The Medals were awarded to officers and militants in recognition of their outstanding service and contribution to the successful execution of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) mandate.
“On behalf of the SRCC and AMISOM fraternity, I congratulate UPDF Battle Group twenty-six for standing out and exhibiting exemplary performance,” said the DSRCC.
Mulongo informed the troops that most of the biggest challenges that Africa has are the inter-State contestations, conflicts, national threats caused by terrorists, organized crimes, inter political dynamics and disagreements in national agendas by various players in our countries.
“Sector One in particular, in the area of operation for Battle Group twenty-six have worked very well with other forces, civilians, local authorities,” the DSRCC said.
He also said that it is because of Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) right strategy that is laid out with the right tactics and the exhibition of a high degree of discipline coupled with good Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) work that has enabled UPDF to work with other actors to achieve all these.
The AMISOM Force Commander Lt Gen Tigabu Yilma paid tribute to the officers and militants of BG XXVI for their dedication professionalism and contribution to achieving AMISOM’s mandate.
“I want to congratulate you for the good work during your one-year tour of duty, we appreciate your contribution towards the pacification of Somalia. I know you have sacrificed your lives for the people of Somalia and you strictly followed AMISOM’s mandate to enforce peace and security in the country,” said the Force Commander.
The Sector one Commander Brig Michael Kabango thanked the Battle Group for the job well done by showing skills and knowledge in fighting Alshabab. He further thanked the AMISOM leadership and partners for the support rendered to him during his tenure that resulted into the success that is being witnessed in Somalia. He emphasized that the troops should maintain discipline back home as it is the only weapon which has made UPDF be successful always.
The BG XXVI Commander Col Topher Magino thanked the Sector One Commander for the guidance and support that enabled the Battle Group to succeed.
Present at the awarding ceremony was H.E Deputy Ugandan Ambassador to Somalia Maj Gen Nathan Mugisha, Deputy AMISOM Force Commander Maj Gen James Nakibus Lakara, Deputy Force Commander in of Support and Logistics Maj Gen George Owinow, AMISOM Chief of Staff Brig-Gen Dolimitien Kabisa, Commander of the United Nations Guard Unit Six (UNGU VI) Lt Col Nathan Beinomugisha among other.
