Mogadishu – The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia and Head of the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), Amb. El Hadji Ibrahima Diene, today presided over the Medal Parade for the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Battle Group 43 serving under the African Union since February 2025.
Amb. Diene congratulated Battle Group 43 for successfully completing its mission and commended the troops for their professionalism, sacrifice and contribution to the implementation of AUSSOM Mandate. He recognized the contingent’s achievements in liberating key areas, including Sabiid-Anole, Bariire, Awdheegle, Mubarak, and Darusalaam from Al-Shabaab control.
“We give you these medals in recognition of your excellent and outstanding service. Today’s ceremony is about professionalism, sacrifice, continuity of service, and the unwavering commitment of the Republic of Uganda to peace and stability in Somalia,” Amb. Diene said. “I would like to pay tribute to the Government and people of Uganda for their steadfast contribution to peace, security, and stabilisation efforts in Somalia over the years.”
The SRCC praised the UPDF leadership for maintaining disciplined and highly professional contingents under difficult operational conditions, describing Uganda as one of the pillars of African solidarity and collective security efforts in Somalia. He also paid tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of peace and security in Somalia.
The Uganda Contingent Commander and Sector One Commander, Brig. Gen. Jackson Kayanja, commended Battle Group 43 for its exemplary performance during operations aimed at degrading Al-Shabaab activities in the Lower Shabelle region, highlighting operations such as “Silent Storm”, “Hidden Sword”, and “Rolling Thunder”.
“Medals are earned through exemplary performance. Battle Group 43 is being awarded these medals for being instrumental in dislodging Al-Shabaab activities in the mission area,” Brig. Gen. Kayanja said.
The event also served as a transfer of authority to Battle Group 47 troops, who assume their mandate under AUSSOM.
Amb. Diene therefore urged the incoming troops to build on the achievements of their predecessors and continue serving with professionalism, integrity, vigilance, and respect for the Somali people and their culture. Brig. Gen. Kayanja further called on Battle Group 47 to maintain teamwork, vigilance and professionalism while carrying out their mandate.
Battle Group 43 Commander, Col. Robert Koch, thanked the UPDF, the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF), partners and AUSSOM leadership for the support extended during his deployment, while the incoming Battle Group 47 Commander, Col. Wilson Barigye, pledged to work closely with the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF) and other partners to sustain gains made in the mission area.
Uganda remains one of the leading troop-contributing countries to the African Union mission in Somalia, with UPDF forces continuing to play a critical role in protecting civilians, supporting security operations, and strengthening Somali security institutions.
