Mogadishu, 13 November 2025 – The African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) has recognised the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers for their vital contributions to peace and stability in Somalia.
Presiding over the ceremony at the AUSSOM Uganda contingent headquarters on Thursday, Contingent Commander, Brigadier General Joseph Musoke Ssemwanga awarded African Union medals and certificates to the outgoing Battle Group XLI (UGABAG 41) officers.
Brig. Gen. Ssemwanga commended the soldiers’ role in stabilising Somalia and securing local communities in the liberated areas.
“We really appreciate the officers and men for the good job they’ve done. It is one of our historical tenets as UPDF to always work with the wanainchi. And the reports that we have from Barawe are a good testament that Battle Group 41 has really established a good rapport with the wanainchi,” said Brig. Gen. Ssemwanga.
Led by Colonel Michael Walaka Hyeroba, Battle Group XLI deployed in May 2024 and operated jointly with Somali Security Forces to secure critical infrastructure and supply routes, including Barawe, Embresso, Kismayo Road, Airport Runway, Barawe Seaport, Barawe Knoll, Beldamin sub-sector, Golweyn, and Buulomareer. They also conducted Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities to build community trust.
Their operations significantly degraded Al-Shabaab through targeted offensives, weapon recovery, and Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD).
The ceremony also recognised partner contributions. Deputy Contingent Commander Colonel Francis Obita Aragamoi praised Bancroft Global Development personnel and a team of pilots with the Somali Air Force, for their frontline support.
“They have finalised their duties, they have worked well, and for this reason, we are here to bid them farewell and award them the medals,” said Col. Aragamoi.
With the rotation completed, Uganda Battle Group XLV (UGABG 45), under the command of Col. Justus Musenene, has now assumed responsibility for operation in Barawe.
The ceremony was also attended by senior UPDF officers, battle group commanders, including the incoming AUSSOM Uganda Contingent Commander, Brigadier General Jackson Kayanja.
