A UPDF convoy commander has been killed in a roadside Improvised Explosive Device attack by Al Shabaab in Somalia.
According to Capt Ibrahim Ssekitto, the Ugandan contingent spokesperson, Maj Patrick Opio Awany’s vehicle was hit by the IED as his convoy moved on Sunday between Buulo Nagad and Ceel in the Lower Shabelle region.
“ Our super logistics convoy was hit by IED at Around 1300hrs between Buulo nagad and Ceel waligo and on sad note we lost the convoy commander Maj Patrick Opio Awany who died on spot and others injured ,” Capt Ssekitto said.
He said while Maj Awany died on the spot, the injured were airlifted to Mogadishu Level II hospital.
The deceased has been identified as a brother to NRM Secretary General, Richard Todwong.
“I celebrate my brother, Maj. Opio Patrick Awany. Your dedication to protecting our country was your code and you approached your duty with unmatched passion. You bravely faced countless battles in the Central African Republic, Eastern DRC Congo and Somalia,” Todwong posted on his X.
“Your life was tragically cut short as you served our continent Africa. May your legacy endure to inspire more heroes. We will forever hold you in our hearts, Patrick. You were a true patriot.”
The incident comes at a time when the third phase of the troop down in Somalia has kicked off.
The third phase of the ATMIS drawdown is in line with United Nations Security Council Resolutions: 2628 (2022), 2670 (2022), and 2710 (2023), which mandate ATMIS to withdraw 4000 troops by the end of June 2024.
This phase follows the successful conclusion of the first and second phases of the drawdown last year, which reduced the number of AU troops by 5000 and handed over 17 FOBs.
However, despite the troop drawdown, the situation in Somalia, especially the Lower Shabelle region remains fragile as Al Shabaab remains looming large.
Like many have opined, the troop drawdown is likely to reverse all the gains of the mission in Somalia.
