By Ivan Mubiru
The Chief of Defence Forces, Gen David Muhooz, has urged ‘Uganda Battle Group 26’ (UGBAG XXVI) to ensure vigilance and maintain discipline during their mission in Somalia.
Gen Muhoozi made the remarks at Peace Support Operations and Training Centre (PSO-TC) in Singo, Nakaseke District as he flagged off UGABAG XXVI on Thursday.
UGBAG-XXVI under the command of Col Toffa Magino will be deployed in Somalia with an intent of neutralizing Al-Shabaab threats and help restore peace and stability in in the country.
The UPDF has been in Somalia as part of African Union Mission in Somalia AMISOM for nearly 11 years.
“Fighting in Somalia is not a picnic. Doze and Al-Shabaab will finish you,” Gen Muhoozi cautioned, adding “fighting Al-Shabaab is a manageable mission if soldiers work hard, keep to what they were trained on, and sticking to the rules of engagement.”
The CDF further urged soldiers to ‘Know their responsibility whether in a section, unit or formation; but not to forget their background’.
He reminded them to always protect each other’s back using the attained pre-mission training and Operations experience.
The Chief of Staff Land Forces Brig. Leopold Kyanda on behalf of the Commander Land Forces Maj. Gen. Peter Elwelu commended BG XXVI for enduring the long attained pre-mission training.
Brig Kyanda noted that the force is well prepared and ready for deployment for AMISOM.
The Commandant of the Peace Support and Training Centre (PSO-TC) Singo Brig Jackson Bakasumba lauded the UPDF leadership for her support towards stabilizing Somalia in the spirit of Pan-Africanism by deploying BGXXVI.
Brig Bakasumba observed that BGXXVI is well prepared and as has been in the past, will work hard to keeping Uganda’s flag shining.
Thursday’s UGABAG-XXVI flag off function was attended by Development Partners, Community leaders, PSO-TC staff among other invited guests.
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