Somalia Mourns as Ugandan Peacekeeper Helicopter Crashes at Mogadishu Airport

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: The Federal Government of Somalia has expressed its deep condolences to Uganda following the fatal crash of a Ugandan military helicopter deployed under the African Union peacekeeping mission, which occurred at Mogadishu’s Adan Abdulle International Airport on Wednesday.

The helicopter, carrying eight personnel from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), crash-landed moments before touchdown, killing five on board and leaving three others severely injured, Uganda’s military spokesperson, Brigadier Felix Kulayigye, confirmed.

“The courage and commitment of these soldiers is a testament to Uganda’s enduring support for Somalia’s pursuit of peace and stability,” Somalia’s Ministry of Information said in a statement. “We honour the bravery and sacrifice of the fallen and stand in full solidarity with the people and government of Uganda during this time of grief.”

The crash impact triggered onboard munitions to detonate, destroying nearby structures and injuring at least three civilians in the vicinity, according to the UPDF.

The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) stated that emergency response teams swiftly launched search and rescue operations to recover the crew and assess the situation.

The helicopter was part of AUSSOM’s ongoing support operations in Somalia, where Uganda remains a key troop-contributing country in the regional effort to combat terrorism and support state-building.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.