Second Air Force Unit Sent To Somalia From Uganda

Posted by: Kyeyune Andrew Jonathan in Uganda news October 13, 2022

A Ugandan Air Force Aviation Unit of about 200 officers has been dispatched to Somalia for the African Union Transition Mission(ATMIS). ATMIS is the replacement of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

Lt. Gen. Peter Elwelu, the deputy Chief of Defense Forces while representing the CDF flagged off the officers. This happened at Soroti UPDF Air Force training wing on Wednesday, October 12, 2022.

The officers are taking the place of the first Air Force Aviation Unit who have spent about an entire year in Somalia. They are expected to give support to the ground troops in the fight against the al Qaeda-linked group in Somalia.

The deployed Air Force Unit has been in training for over a year according to Lt. Col. Stephen Kiggundu. He revealed that they include medics, pilots, firefighters, logisticians, and technicians among others.

“They will be in Somalia for one year and all that arrangement will be contained in the documentation between the Ugandan government, ATMIS and African Union,” Kiggundu said.

Apparently, this is the first unit for Soroti UPDF Air Force training wing to produce for ATMIS according to Elwelu.

The first contingent trained from Nakasongola. He additionally asked the soldiers to remain vigilant and return alive.

“Maintain discipline because UPDF is a disciplined force. Work as a team. Do not turn to be the enemies of the Somali civilians, but protect them. Above all, remain vigilant for the al-shabaab terrorism is a reality there,” he said.

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