The UPDF Chief of Defence Forces Gen David Muhoozi has flagged off Battle Group XXV (BGXXV) and United Nations Guard Unit (UNGU V) at the Peace Support Operations Training Centre in Singo in Nakaseke District.
BG XXV will be charged with the responsibility of sustaining peace and stability in Somalia under the mandate of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). UNGU V will be protecting key United Nations (UN) and Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) vital installations, UN personnel, escorting VIPs, among others.
Speaking at the Peace Support Operations Training Centre in Singo Gen. Muhoozi implored both BGXXV and UNGU V to live up to their expectations since life in the mission area is not a picnic but a mission that demands hard work and keeping keen adherence to rules of engagement.
“The Somalia Mission demands both discipline and sacrifice for one to be successful. Therefore, work hard while there and don’t let down Uganda,” Gen. David Muhoozi told BGXXV and UNGU V. He added that UPDF is in Somalia in line with its Pan-Africanist ideology of supporting fellow Africans whenever called upon.
He cautioned soldiers going for the peace keeping mission in Somalia to make sure that they come back as healthy as they have gone since UPDF as an institution has already invested so much in them.
Further urged them to avoid negative propaganda while in Somalia for the success of the mission, “Avoiding propaganda will make you winners and carry the Ugandan Flag higher,” he said.
The UPDF Commander Land Forces, Maj. Gen. Peter Elwelu who accompanied the CDF lauded soldiers of BGXXV and UNGU V for successfully completing the training and wished them well in the mission area. He reminded them that Somalia is a fighting area that calls for disciplined and professional soldiers.
Brig. Jack Bakasumba, the commandant of the Peace Support Operations Training Centre-Singo noted that the training was well done and urged soldiers to avoid excuses while in Somalia. The commandant urged them to work together whenever deployed in any mission area.
BG XXV will be commanded by Col. Paul Muwanguzi and deputized by Lt. Col. CK Asiimwe while Former ADC to the president, Col. Stuart Agaba will command UNGU V and deputized by Maj. Edward Mugisha.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by Dr Opiyo Oloya of the famous “Black Hawk Rising” a book that details UPDF activities in Somalia, Representatives from the British Training team, and other UPDF Chiefs and Directors.