Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) in Somalia, H.E. El Hadji Ibrahima Diene has commended the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) for their outstanding community engagement and people-centred peacekeeping as they marked the 45th Tarehe Sita Anniversary across different sectors in Somalia.
Speaking in Mogadishu during activities held by UPDF troops serving under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), H.E. Diene praised the force for initiatives that included free medical services, cleaning and fumigation of Marine Market, and tree-planting exercises, describing them as practical demonstrations of civilian-focused peacekeeping.
“I commend the outstanding engagement of Uganda in providing peace and stability in Africa as a whole. The men and women of the UPDF have written a chapter of courage, sacrificing their lives to stand with the Somali people at a critical moment,” H.E. Diene said.
The SRCC further applauded the UPDF for their courage, resilience and commitment to Pan-Africanism, calling on Africans to reflect on Tarehe Sita as a symbol of unity, peace, security, stability and socio-economic transformation.
The Acting AUSSOM Force Commander and Sector One Commander, Brigadier General Jackson Kayanja, highlighted the evolution of the UPDF from a liberation force into a professional, people-centred army that continues to contribute significantly to regional peace and stability, particularly in Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan.
“As we draw inspiration from the sacrifices of the past in safeguarding Uganda’s peace and security, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting peace and stability in Somalia, free from Al-Shabaab, while promoting national development,” Brig Gen Kayanja said.
In Aribiska, UPDF troops conducted a medical outreach as part of the Tarehe Sita commemorations, in line with the theme, “Defending the Gains of the Revolution and Honouring the Sacrifice of the Freedom Fighters: A Call for National Unity, Peace, and Socio-Economic Transformation.” More than 100 members of the local community received on-site diagnosis and treatment, while food items were also distributed to beneficiaries.
Launching the activities at the UPDF Headquarters in Aribiska, the Battle Group Commander, Colonel Saul Nabimanya, led a key leader engagement session, expressing gratitude to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Commander-in-Chief of the UPDF, for guiding the force’s journey from its humble beginnings to its current professional standing.
Col Nabimanya described Tarehe Sita as the foundation of a disciplined, courageous and pro-people army, noting that the UPDF, which originated from the National Resistance Army (NRA), has grown into a strong and professional regional force grounded in people-centred values.
The Mobile Police Commander of Afgoye, Col Nuur Laile, reaffirmed his commitment to continued collaboration with the UPDF and commended the force for extending medical services to Somali civilians. Community leaders, including Aribiska elder Mr Adaan Muhammed, expressed appreciation for the security provided by the UPDF and their support through medical outreach, water supply and electricity provision.
Similar celebrations were held in the Barawe sub-sector, where Battle Group 45 Commander, Colonel Justus Musenene, led UPDF troops in commemorating Tarehe Sita alongside civilians. He briefed residents on the significance of the day, emphasising the UPDF’s people-centric values, which are anchored in discipline, professionalism, and community engagement.
“Civilians are our first weapon. UPDF is a pro-people army, and giving back to the community is part of who we are,” Col Musenene said.
The troops conducted a clean-up exercise in Embresso town to promote hygiene and public health, before visiting Barawe District Hospital, where they provided free medical services and donated mama kits to support expectant mothers. According to Lt Dr Musa Hussein, the Battle Group 45 Medical Officer, more than 1,000 patients were treated during the outreach.
The Director of Barawe District Hospital, Dr Abdirashid Abukar, praised the UPDF for their support, noting the positive response from the local population. The Battle Group Civil-Military Cooperation Officer, Lt Christopher Birungi, thanked residents for their continued cooperation and called for sustained partnership in support of AUSSOM operations.
The Tarehe Sita activities across Mogadishu, Aribiska and Barawe were attended by senior and junior UPDF officers, personnel from the Somali National Army and Police, AUSSOM headquarters staff, development partners, and members of the civilian community, underscoring the strong bond between the UPDF and the people they serve.
