The United Nations Guard Unit Eleven (UNGU-XI) contingent stationed in Somalia has undergone a one-day intensive training aimed at enhancing psychological resilience, strengthening family bonds, and improving medical preparedness.
The training, held at the UNGU-XI headquarters, brought together senior officers, junior commanders, heads of departments, and other military personnel.
In his opening remarks, the UNGU-XI commander, Lt Col Peter Ruyogoza Barigye, urged troops to take the training seriously, describing knowledge as both “key and power.”
“The wisdom gained here is not only essential for the success of our mission but also for your personal development,” Lt Col Barigye noted, emphasizing the broader value of continuous learning and mental readiness in high-risk environments.
Major Angois Teko, the Sector One Contingent Political Commissar, delivered a session on Family Mindset and Attitude. He highlighted the critical role that family support plays in a soldier’s mental well-being and mission performance.
“Your families are your backbone,” said Major Teko. “Regular communication, trust, and understanding are key to keeping that bond strong while you are away. A strong family support system can make all the difference.”
The training also featured a medical briefing by Captain Dr. Andrew Namaulula, who sensitised the troops on the risks and prevention strategies for Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever and Ebola.
“Understanding these diseases is crucial for your safety and the safety of those you are here to protect,” Dr. Namaulula stressed. “We must be vigilant and proactive in preventing an outbreak.”
The initiative reflects the growing commitment within peacekeeping forces to integrate mental health, family welfare, and health awareness into operational readiness, particularly in high-risk deployment zones such as Somalia.
