Nineteen soldiers of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) deployed under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) have completed a specialized Aviation Security (AVSEC) course in Mogadishu, strengthening protection of Somalia’s most strategic air gateway.
The six-week training focused on securing operations at Aden Adde International Airport, a critical hub for government operations, diplomatic missions, humanitarian agencies, and international peace support forces.
The training comes at a time when safeguarding high-value infrastructure remains central to stabilization efforts in Somalia, where airports serve as lifelines for both security and humanitarian operations.
Presiding over the closure ceremony, Colonel Hamza Kasaija, AUSSOM Sector One Contingent Administrative Officer, described the course as a critical step in maintaining operational effectiveness.
“You are privileged to receive this international-level training. As UPDF, we take pride in initiatives that directly strengthen aviation security and operational efficiency at the airport,” he said.
The course, facilitated by Mr. David Romoleroux of Hart Security Limited, covered advanced screening operations, access control systems, physical search techniques, and the use of X-ray and metal detection technologies aligning the troops’ capabilities with global aviation security benchmarks.
Such expertise is critical in Mogadishu, where layered security and rapid threat detection can determine the difference between disruption and continuity of operations.
Lt Col Thamson Musoke, Battle Group 45 Air Component Commander and Airport Commander, urged participants to translate the training into disciplined execution, noting that aviation security remains a frontline defense in the mission’s broader counter terrorism posture.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, Capt Ikule Yassin described the training as timely and impactful, noting that it has significantly enhanced their capacity to manage aviation security threats within the mission area.
Senior and junior officers attended the ceremony, marking another milestone in UPDF’s continued efforts to professionalize its forces under AUSSOM.
