Mogadishu, 08 February 2026 – The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) and Head of the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), Ambassador El-Hadji Ibrahima Diene, has commended Uganda for its selfless service in supporting efforts to restore peace, security and stability in Somalia and Africa.
During a ceremony to mark the Uganda Army Day, also known as Tarehe Sita, at the AUSSOM Sector One contingent headquarters in Mogadishu on Sunday, Ambassador Diene commended Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) troops for laying the ground for the African Union peace operations in Somalia and standing with people of Somalia over the years.
“Ugandan personnel have served with distinction, often at great personal cost, contributing to the protection of civilians, the restoration of state authority and the creation of favourable conditions for political, security progress, humanitarian assistance and stabilisation efforts,” said Ambassador Diene.
In the presence of the SNA Land Forces Commander, Brig. Gen. Sahal Abdullahi Omar, AUSSOM Uganda contingent Commander, Brigadier General Jackson Kayanja, pledged to continue protecting the people of Somalia and the security gains made so far.
“As we commemorate this day, we reaffirm our commitment to peace and security in Somalia, free from Al-Shabaab…,” said Brig. Gen. Kayanja.
Tarehe Sita is observed annually on 6 February, marking the beginning of the armed struggle by President Yoweri Museveni and the National Resistance Army (NRA) in 1981 to end misrule in Uganda.
This year, AUSSOM troops, in partnership with Somalia’s Danab Special Forces, conducted Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities that included a medical outreach camp offering free specialised services such as eye examinations, dental care, and treatment for common ailments. The troops also organised a public clean-up exercise in communities neighbouring the African Union base camp in Mogadishu.
Colonel Hamza Kasaija, the AUSSOM Sector One contingent’s Chief Administrative Officer, said: “We have fumigated the whole of the marine market compound and neighbouring houses of civilians. We have cleaned the marine market, and we have set up a medical camp, offering medical services to both the Somali forces and the Somali population.”
Captain Dr. Robert John Obwapus, Commanding Officer of AUSSOM Level II Field Hospital in Mogadishu, said the medical camp provided screening and treatment for minor illnesses, ultrasound scans, and laboratory testing for HIV, Hepatitis B, urinary tract infections, and diabetes. The team also offered dental care, eye, ear, nose, and throat services, and provided medication to patients.
“We are booking patients who require further interventions. We are going to arrange a programme starting next week. We shall be handling them on a case-by-case basis in the hospital. If they need surgery, we are ready to intervene, depending on the numbers we shall receive,” said Dr. Obwapus.
Dr. Safia Abdinur Ahmed, from the 16 Brigade of Danab Special Forces, praised the Ugandan contingent and Somali Security Forces (SSF) for their joint efforts in assisting the local community.
“Today is a big day for us as we are here providing free treatment to over 200 civilians with various ailments. As a doctor and a security officer, it’s our responsibility to support the public as well as the troops,” said Dr. Safia.
A patient attended to at the medical camp, Sa’diyo Qasim Ibrahim, commended the medical help received from the Ugandan and Somali Danab military medics.
“I came here to get medicine, and I am happy. I travelled a long distance to come here and receive the medicine I needed. I also underwent a medical checkup, and I was well-assisted,” said Sa’diyo.
This year, the 45th Tarehe Sita anniversary was themed: “Defending the gains of the revolution and honouring the sacrifices of the freedom fighters; a call for National Unity, Peace and Socio-Economic Transformation.”