By Ivan Ssenabulya
The newly introduced African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) which replaced AMISSOM has awarded medals and certificates to Ugandan soldiers for their outstanding contribution to the peacebuilding process in Somalia.
Forces from Battle Group 32, were honoured at a medal parade ceremony presided over by the ATMIS Force Commander, Lt Gen Diomede Ndegeya, in the presence of the Uganda Contingent Commander Brig Gen Keith Katungi, among other senior military officers.
The soldiers, deployed to the mission in March 2021, are due to rotate out having completed their one-year tour of duty, and will be replaced by Battle Group 35, commanded by Colonel Bernard Kashemeza.
Lt. Gen. Ndegeya hailed the soldiers for their professionalism and selfless service to the people of Somalia in ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability in the country.
He cited that they sustained key military operations to degrade Al-Shabaab and helped secure main supply routes and population centres.
This he said enabled local communities to go about their lives normally.