Hon. Vincent Bamulangaki Ssempijja, Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, has praised the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) for their efforts in Somalia as part of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).
This was confirmed by the minister on Wednesday, February 22, 2024, as he hailed the UPDF for creating a conducive environment for Somalia’s socioeconomic and political transformation while demonstrating Pan-African values.
“The pan-African spirit that brought us to Somalia has yielded tremendous results. Thank you for persevering and changing the face of Somalia. The discipline and professionalism you have shown have earned UPDF an international accolade,” Ssempijja said.
During a courtesy visit to the UPDF sector one headquarters in Mogadishu, Ssempijja acknowledged the rapid growth of Mogadishu city, Seaport, and Aden Abdulle International Airport traffic as proof of the UPDF’s hard work and professionalism.
He also praised the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, H.E. Yoweri K. Museveni, for his vision and strategic leadership in combating Al-Shabaab at its source, which has helped protect Uganda from attacks.
In regard to the ATMIS draw-down, Ssempijja stated that the Commander-in-Chief and the High Command are considering the next steps and emphasized the importance of ensuring force protection in the mission area.
Brig Gen. Anthony Lukwago Mbuusi, Sector One contingent commander of ATIMS, highlighted the forces’ achievements in his briefing, saying they had created a conducive environment for political processes while ensuring the government of Mogadishu’s functionality.
“The annual increase in volume of airport operations presently accommodates over 8,533 international flights, 18,166 domestic flights, and 1,686 mission flights. The improvement in infrastructure and social services is a result of our persistent provision of security,” Brig Gen. Mbuusi said.
Hon. Ssempijja has been in Somalia for the last three days, conducting meetings with high-level officials of the Federal Government of Somalia. He was accompanied by Brig Gen. Francis Chemo, Uganda’s Defence Advisor to Somalia, Brig Gen. David Gonyi, the Chief of Staff of the Air Forces, Col. Julius Mbaine, and Col. Moses Wandera, among others.
