The Chief of Defence Forces, General Edward Katumba Wamala, is in Somalia to visit Ugandan troops who form the biggest chunk of the 22,000 African Union force in Somalia.
Gen Katumba visited the seaport town of Barawe, 220kms south of the capital Mogadishu. This is the first time the army chief is visiting Barawe, which was the headquarters of al shabaab. It was captured last year in October by Ugandans.
Other countries with soldiers in Somalia include; Kenya, Burundi, Djibouti and Sierra Leon
According to a statement issued by the office of the army spokesperson, Gen Katumba is on a four-day tour in Somalia is also expected to meet Somali government officials including the president.
“Gen. Wamala is in Somalia for a four day official visit, during which he will also visit and interact with troops in Ceeljaale, Aribska and Mogadishu, as well as hold talks with the senior leadership of the Federal Government of Somalia,” the statement says
The Somali insurgents have lost sizeable ground to African Union troops, forcing them to resort to asymmetrical war tactics like suicide bombings.
