Forty-five soldiers from the Somali National Army (SNA), attached to the 62 Battalion under the 06 Brigade, have successfully concluded a one-month Organic Support Weapons training programme facilitated by Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) Battle Group 43. The training was conducted under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia at the Shalamboti Forward Operating Base.
Representing the Battle Group 43 Commander, the Battle Group Military Information Officer, Major Silvan Manirinde, praised the trainees for exhibiting skill and self-assurance during the concluding field exercises.
“You have displayed discipline, bravery, and professionalism throughout this course. The expertise you have gained will greatly strengthen your capacity to confront threats from Al-Shabaab,” Maj Manirinde stated.
He highlighted the continued partnership between the UPDF and the SNA in enhancing operational effectiveness and facilitating a seamless handover of security duties.
The Deputy Commander of the 06 Brigade, Maj Bishar Ousma, encouraged the graduates to utilize their newly developed competencies to sustain combat readiness and remain alert, despite the considerable setbacks suffered by Al-Shabaab.
Meanwhile, the Commanding Officer of the 133 Battalion, Major Zubairi Amson, commended the participants for their exemplary discipline and urged them to disseminate the knowledge acquired to fellow soldiers who did not take part in the training.
“You are now force multipliers. Share these skills with your colleagues so that collectively you can secure Shalamboti and the wider Lower Shabelle region,” he said.
The graduation ceremony was attended by the Shalamboti Police Commander, a representative from the Marka District Commissioner’s office, departmental heads from Battle Group 43, and commanders from the Somali security forces.