Mogadishu, 5 April 2017 – The African Union (AU) has hailed the Government of Uganda for its active role in restoring peace and stability in Somalia.

The remarks were made by the Special Representative of the African Union Commission Chairperson (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Francisco Madeira, at a colourful medal award ceremony held in Mogadishu, Tuesday, for Ugandan soldiers.

The medals were awarded to Battle Group 18 of the Uganda People’s Defence Force serving under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) whose tour of duty in Somalia has some to an end.

Ambassador Madeira thanked the Government of President Museveni for showing the true spirit of Pan Africanism by ensuring peace and stability is restored in Somalia.

“Let me take this opportunity to thank your country and thank all your colleagues from Uganda who started this Mission by sacrificing their lives. Let me thank President Museveni for his vision of a statesman, a vision of somebody who has acquired experience in the struggle, in trying to unite his country, in stabilizing his own country, in getting rid of dictators, exploiters and giving direction, leadership and vision to his country,” Ambassador Madeira who is also the Head of Mission stated.

The medals parade, the first of its kind, was attended by the AMISOM Force Commander Lt. Gen. Osman Noor Soubagleh; AMISOM Deputy Force Commander in Charge of Operations and Planning, Maj. Gen. Abreha Tesfaye; Uganda Contingent Commander Brig. Kayanja Muhanga; AMISOM Sector Commanders; senior AMISOM officials and the outgoing Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Lydia Wanyoto.

The SRCC observed that Uganda was the first country to deploy in Somalia in 2007, under AMISOM, adding that together with other Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs), made significant contribution to peace and stability in Somalia, providing a conducive environment not only for elections but also for social and economic development.

“Uganda could have remained in Kampala and Luwero Triangle and elsewhere but understood very well that as long as Somalia is what it is or what it was in 2007, Uganda would not be safe. Indeed, history has shown that in 2010 Uganda was attacked by an enemy theoretically operating in Somalia. This understanding of Uganda was shared by all of our Heads of State and they decided through the Peace and Security Council that we need to come to Somalia and help stabilize this country and contain the Al-Shabaab,” SRCC Madeira noted.

The AMISOM Force Commander Lt. Gen. Osman Noor Soubagleh, said UPDF Battle Group 18, which was deployed at the main base camp, the sea port, state house, parliament and other key installations, including several forward operating bases, had done a tremendous job.

“You have done your duty and we have to recognize your effort and that is why we have decorated you with those medals which, we think is recognition enough,” Lt. Gen. Soubagleh noted.

Uganda Contingent Commander, Brig. Kayanja Muhanga, also hailed the Battle Group, saying it had done a wonderful job, in degrading the Al-Shabaab and thwarting attacks by the terror group.

Col. Ronald Bigirwa, Battle Group 18 Commander thanked the AU for decorating his group with the medals in recognition of their contribution in the stabilization process.