New battle group from Uganda deploys in Somalia

The Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) has deployed a new battle group to serve under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

The new battle group, dubbed UGABAG XIX, replaces another battled group, UGABAG XVI, which has completed a one-year tour of duty in Somalia.

Uganda is one of the troop contributing countries in Somalia, with over 6,700 military personnel, serving under the African Union Mission in Somalia, alongside Burundi, Kenya, Ethiopia and Djibouti.

The battle group, under Colonel Anthony Mbuusi Lukwago landed in Mogadishu on Sunday morning and will deploy in Lower Shabelle region.

“UGABAG XIX is equally good. They are going to take up the challenge. And of course they expect attacks as usual from Al-Shabaab. But this is a seasoned battle group,” Uganda contingent commander Brig. Sam Okiding said.

“It has very good battalions. And we are confident they are going to add those achievements that were registered by Battle Group XVI,” he added.

Brig . Okiding saluted the out-going battle group for achieving milestones against Al Shabaab.

The Battle Group Commander, Colonel Anthony Mbuusi Lukwago was optimistic about their stay in Somalia.

“I can say we are well-prepared for the situation in Mogadishu or the mission as such because we have received adequate training. We are thoroughly prepared. We were well-prepared by our trainers back home in Ssingo. And I think I have the best force so far. We believe we are going to make it just because others have done it. This mission is doable. We can do it and we think we can do it better than others because we have received sufficient training and we are well-prepared,” he stated.