At least 45 soldiers from the Somali National Army (SNA) have completed a month-long Organic Support Weapons training course conducted by the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) in Shalamboti, Lower Shabelle.
The trainees, drawn from the 62 Battalion under the 06 Brigade, were trained by UPDF Battle Group 43, currently serving under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
Speaking at the pass-out ceremony, the Battle Group Military Information Officer, Maj. Silvan Manirinde, commended the soldiers for their performance during the final field exercises.
“You have shown discipline, courage and professionalism throughout the training. The skills you have acquired will significantly enhance your ability to counter threats posed by Al-Shabaab,” he said.
Maj. Manirinde noted that the course reflects continued cooperation between the UPDF and the Somali National Army in strengthening security and preparing Somali forces to assume greater operational responsibility.
The Deputy Commander of the 06 Brigade, Maj. Bishar Ousma, urged the graduates to apply the newly acquired skills in their day-to-day operations and remain vigilant despite signs of weakening insurgent activity.
“Maintain operational readiness at all times,” he advised.
Meanwhile, the Commanding Officer of 133 Battalion, Maj. Zubairi Amson, encouraged the soldiers to act as force multipliers by passing on their knowledge to colleagues who did not attend the training.
“You are now force multipliers. Share these skills with fellow soldiers so that together you can effectively defend Shalamboti and the wider Lower Shabelle region,” he said.
The ceremony was attended by the Shalamboti Police Commander, a representative of the Marka District Commissioner, UPDF officers from Battle Group 43, and leaders of the Somali security forces.
