The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) military officer, Major Patrick Opio Awany, serving with the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), has been killed in Ceel Weregow, located 70 kilometers southwest of Mogadishu, along the Mogadishu Buffow, Barawe route. This was in an attack by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) on Sunday, July 7, 2024.

According to Captain Ibrahim Kasule Sekitto, the Uganda Contingent Public Information Officer in Somalia, the explosion claimed the life of Major Awany and injured a few more Ugandan peacekeepers. He added that the injured were airlifted to Level II Hospital in Mogadishu, and they are recovering quite well.

“Yesterday, July 7, 2024, a UPDF ATMIS logistics convoy was involved in an attack from an IED, claiming the lives of Maj Awany and a few others injured in the attack,” Capt Sekitto said.

Richard Todwong, the Secretary General of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and also a brother to the late Maj Awany, said that the brother’s life was cut short as he served his continent, Africa.

He added that he will celebrate his brother for serving with dedication and protecting his country with his unmatched passion.

“You bravely faced countless battles in the Central African Republic, Eastern Congo, and Somalia; may your legacy endure and inspire more heroes. We will forever hold you in our hearts, Patrick; you were a true patriot,” Todwong tweeted.

Capt Sekitto noted that UPDF under ATMIS remains committed to supporting peace and security and that their efforts, alongside those of other Troop-Contributing Countries (TCC), aim to support the federal government of Somalia to combat terrorist threats and pave the way for a more stable and secure Somalia.

The UPDF and ATMIS offered their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and a quick recovery to the injured soldiers.

The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia is an active mission from peacekeeping operations in Somalia. Formerly the African Union Mission in Somalia, ATMIS’s mandate will end by December 2024, with the full transition of security operations to the Somali National Armed Forces.