Uganda to deploy new troop contingent to Somalia under AUSSOM mission

Thursday April 30, 2026

Mogadishu (AX) — Uganda has sent a fresh batch of soldiers to Somalia, with the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) announcing the deployment of a new contingent under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia, or AUSSOM, as regional efforts to shore up security continue.

Battle Group XLVII (BG 47) was officially dispatched on Tuesday after completing pre-deployment training at the International Peace Support Operations Training Centre in Singo, Nakaseke District.

Speaking at the send-off ceremony, Brig. Gen. Fred Mwesigye, who represented Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, called on the troops to serve with discipline, professionalism, and unity throughout their assignment.

“You are going on a mission, not for leisure. Remain focused and adhere strictly to the guidance of your commanders,” he said, cautioning that misconduct could weaken operations and tarnish the army’s standing.

The soldiers had spent months in intensive training aimed at preparing them for peace support duties. Commandant Col. Moses Nabaasa said the unit was now highly prepared, pointing to the extensive exercises that had sharpened its readiness.

Battle Group commander Col. Wilson Barigye likewise said he was confident in the force’s ability, promising that the troops would carry out their responsibilities with discipline and professionalism.

Ugandan troops will serve alongside other AUSSOM contingents, following the African Union Mission in Somalia, which the new mission has replaced. Uganda was the first nation to deploy forces to Somalia in 2007 and has remained one of the mission’s most important contributors ever since.

UPDF personnel are mainly assigned to Sector One, an area that includes parts of Mogadishu and the Lower Shabelle region. There, they protect key sites such as the capital’s international airport, important government facilities, and major towns.

The latest deployment comes as Somalia and its international partners step up efforts to build on security gains, push back Al-Shabaab, and lay the groundwork for lasting stability across the country.