The African Union has awarded medals to the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Battle Group 43 serving under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) in recognition of their contribution to peace and security in Somalia as they concluded their tour of duty. At the same ceremony, Battle Group 47 officially assumed peacekeeping responsibilities under the African Union mission.

The medals were presented during a handover and takeover ceremony officiated by the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC), Ambassador Hadji Ibrahima Diene, who commended Battle Group 43 for its efforts in supporting the Somali National Army (SNA) and the people of Somalia.

“We give you these medals in recognition of your excellent and outstanding service. We commend you for your sacrifice, courage, discipline, professionalism, resilience, and dedication in the implementation of the AUSSOM mandate,” he said.

Mr Diene urged Battle Group 47 to build on the achievements of their predecessors and continue serving with professionalism, discipline, integrity, and respect for the Somali people and their culture. He reminded the troops that they are ambassadors of Uganda and the African Union and called on them to remain vigilant and maintain operational momentum.

He also paid tribute to the Government of Uganda for its continued Pan-African commitment, noting that the country’s contribution had greatly enhanced peace, security, and stabilization efforts in Somalia.

The Uganda Contingent Commander, Brig Gen Jackson Kayanja, applauded Battle Group 43 for its discipline and outstanding performance in degrading Al-Shabaab activities in the Lower Shabelle region.

He highlighted Operations Silent Storm, Hidden Sword, and Rolling Thunder, which led to the recapture of Sabiid-Anole, Bariire, Awdheegle, Mubarak, and Darusalam from the militants.

“Medals are earned through exemplary performance, and Battle Group 43 is being awarded these medals for being instrumental in dislodging Al-Shabaab activities in the mission area,” Brig Gen Kayanja said.

He further tasked Battle Group 47 with maintaining teamwork, vigilance, and professionalism as they executed the mission.

In his handover remarks, Battle Group 43 Commander, Col Robert Koch, thanked the UPDF leadership for the support extended to the troops during their deployment.

Meanwhile, the incoming Battle Group 47 Commander, Col Wilson Barigye, pledged to work closely with sister forces and the Somali National Army to sustain gains made in the mission area. He also urged troops to uphold teamwork and discipline.

The ceremony was attended by the Sector One Deputy Contingent Commander, Col Frances Aragamoi, Commanding Officer of United Nations Guard Unit XII, Lt Col Nathan Akankunda, Contingent Administration Officer Col Hamza Kasajja, asset commanders, partners, heads of departments, senior and junior officers, as well as non-commissioned officers.