The Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG), His Excellency Catriona Liang, has recognized the outstanding work of United Nations Guard Unit X (UNGU-X) in ensuring the safety and security of United Nations personnel, their property, key installations, manning all security checkpoints, and effectively managing UN visitors and contractors.

She made these remarks while handing over the United Nations flag to the new Commander of the UNGU-X, Lt. Col. Emmanuel Odongo.

In her remarks, Liang commended the outgoing UNGU-X commander, Lt. Col. Peter Omeja, for working tirelessly to achieve the mandate and mission of the guard unit without incidences of any nature. She expressed condolences to both the Government of Uganda and the UPDF for the loss of two guard unit members as a result of indirect fire from mortar and rock shells and a motor accident, respectively.

Liang promised continued support to the guard unit at all times and wished the outgoing commander well. She welcomed Lt. Col. Emmanuel Odongo to his new role and wished him a safe stay while in Somalia.

The handover ceremony was presided over by Contingent Commander Brig Gen Mbusi Lukwago, who represented Commander Land Forces Lt. Gen. Kayanja Muhanga, as the Uganda flag was handed over to Lt. Col. Odongo.

Brig Gen. Lukwago congratulated the outgoing commander, Lt. Col. Omeja, for the job well done and welcomed Lt. Col. Odongo for the task, urging him to exercise extra caution and vigilance since there was an ATMIS draw-down, which created more gaps for the Al-Shabaab to exploit. He added that Lt. Col. Odongo should ensure that the mandate and mission are completed successfully, as Guard Unit X has.

Brig. Gen. Lukwago elaborated that the Somali working environment remains complex due to the continuous existence of Al-Shabaab and encouraged them to work diplomatically while ensuring the safety and security of all UN personnel and their property.

He also appealed for tactics that will ensure the safety of all key UN installations, as they serve their purpose for Somalia’s stability.

Brig Gen. Francis Chemo, the Defence Attaché to the Federal Republic of Somalia, acknowledged UNGU’s work in Somalia, stating that raising the Ugandan flag higher demonstrates the Guard Unit’s outstanding performance to the satisfaction of the UNs.

“This is only achieved with a disciplined force, and therefore I encouraged the incoming commander to ensure that the force is kept to the standards of the UN,” he said.

He further encouraged the outgoing commander to make good use of the accrued benefits in remembrance of the sacrifices made during the pacification of Somalia.

Financial Intelligence Advisor SP Tumushabe Lydia, Contingent Military Information Officer (CMIO) Lt. Col. Alex Ahabyona, Contingent Assets Commander Lt. Col. Alex, Contingent Counter Intelligence Officer (CCIO) Maj Mucunguzi, and Wsacco Liaison Officer were among those who attended the handover ceremony.