Body of UPDF Officer Opio Awany, Posthumously Promoted to Lt. Col. After Somali Roadside Bomb, Returns Home

The casket carrying the remains of Lt. Colonel Opio Patrick Awany, a UPDF officer who died while serving under the African Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), arrived at Entebbe military airbase yesterday evening.

Lt. Col. Awany’s remains were solemnly received by senior UPDF officers, friends, and close relatives. His posthumous promotion from the rank of Major to Lt. Colonel highlights the recognition of his service and sacrifice.

Lt. Col. Awany, a brother to the NRM Secretary General Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong and UPDF Reserve Force Commander Lt. Gen. Charles Otema Awany, was among the officers killed in a roadside bomb attack on a joint ATMIS-UPDF and Somali National Army (SNA) logistics convoy along the Mogadishu-Buffow-Barawe route on July 7, 2024.

Lt Col Awany, was among the officers killed in a roadside bomb attack on a joint ATMIS-UPDF and Somali National Army (SNA) logistics convoy

The attack, which employed a Command Wire Improvised Explosive Device (CWIED), has drawn widespread condemnation and mourning.

READ ALSO: ATMIS Mourns Loss of UPDF and SNAF Officers Killed in Roadside Bomb Attack

The ATMIS community, along with the Ugandan government and military, continues to mourn the loss of Lt. Col. Awany and other officers who have paid the ultimate price in the line of duty. Their sacrifice underscores the ongoing challenges and dangers faced by peacekeeping forces in Somalia.