Uganda: More UPDF Soldiers Leave for Somalia

Kampala Jan 18 2013 (SDN)— Uganda Battle Group 11 commanded by Col. Joseph Balikudembe has departed for Somalia, replacing the departing UGABAG 9.

The soldiers started landing in Mogadishu on Tuesday morning. A total of 1,700 soldiers have been deployed.

UGABAG 9 has been in Somalia since December 2011. The deployment of the group 11 marks the 11th rotation of UPDF forces in Somalia.

Group 9, commanded by Lt. Col. Frederick Akiiki Rugadya, has been at the forefront of fighting the al-Shabaab militia, especially in the areas of Afgoye and Marka.

“As UGABAG 9 soldiers, we have contributed and continued consolidating what our comrades in previous deployments achieved,” Akiiki said.

According to Ugandan contingent spokesperson Maj. Henry Obbo, Battle Group 9 scored tremendous success during their one-year stay in Somalia. “They helped capture Maslah, Arbisca, Lantabur, KM50 and Marka,” Obbo said.

Source: New Vision