Mogadishu, 8 February 2025 – Ugandan troops serving with the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) held a series of civil-military (CIMIC) activities to commemorate Tarehe Sita Day marked annually on 6 February.
The troops held a free medical camp and cleanup exercises in Mogadishu in remembrance of the National Resistance Army’s armed struggle, led by Yoweri Museveni, which ended misrule in Uganda.
The AUSSOM Force Commander, Lieutenant General Sam Kavuma, presided over the celebrations attended by the Uganda Contingent Commander, Brigadier General Joseph Musoke Ssemwanga, and other officers from the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) serving with AUSSOM and the United Nations Guard Unit (UNGU).
Lt. Gen. Kavuma, who represented the Head of AUSSOM, Ambassador Mohamed El-Amine Souef, stressed the vital role of civil-military relations in promoting peace and security in conflict zones.
“I urge all commanders and leaders to remember that Tarehe Sita is not just an ordinary day; it is a special occasion that reminds us of our historical, deliberate, and strategic relationship with the people of Uganda and Africa,” said Lt. Gen. Kavuma, adding that Uganda’s deployment to Somalia is driven by the Pan-African spirit.
“We know that Uganda can never enjoy peace when its neighbours are in trouble, which is why we sacrifice to come to Somalia and other places.”
The 44th Tarehe Sita celebrations in Mogadishu were themed: Celebrating Pan-African Solidarity and the Peoples’ Sacrifice in the Struggle for Freedom and Democracy for Social-Economic Transformation.
Brig. Gen. Ssemwanga highlighted the significance of the day, marking the UPDF’s socio-economic transformation over the years and its vital role in promoting peace across Africa.
“Uganda, through the UPDF, continues to play a pivotal role in regional peace and stability, particularly in Somalia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The UPDF remains a key partner in the fight against terrorism, insurgency, and other cross-border threats,” added Brig. Gen. Ssemwanga.
While launching the CIMIC activities on Wednesday, the Uganda Contingent Administrative Officer (CAO), Colonel John Mark Ssemanda, reaffirmed Uganda’s continued support to Somalia’s peace and security.
“On this day, we conduct various activities, including providing medical services to civilians, planting trees, and cleaning up areas to engage more closely with the local population,” said Col. Ssemanda.
“We take immense pride in our doctrine as the UPDF, which allows us to quickly build rapport with civilians through our civil-military activities.”
The medical camp provided free specialized treatment to local communities near the AUSSOM Basecamp, addressing various health issues including hypertension, diabetes, and respiratory tract infections.
“We are grateful to the AUSSOM team for providing free medical aid. We are incredibly pleased with their kind gesture to help the local population in Mogadishu. The medicines provided are of excellent quality and we welcome their support,” said Colonel Abukar Abdullahi Issaq, one of the beneficiaries of the medical camp.
The cleanup exercise took place at the Marine Market in Mogadishu’s Hamar Jajab district.
“We appeal for an incinerator to help us properly dispose of the garbage,” said Sucaada Nur, a trader at the market.
The highlight of Thursday’s celebrations was a tree-planting exercise, led by Lt. Gen. Kavuma.
