The UPDF serving under the United Nations Guard Unit(UNGU) in Somalia has changed command from Lt Col Peter Omeja to Lt Col Emmanuel Odongo.
The change in command was presided over by the Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) Atriona Liang who applauded UNGU for the great work in ensuring the safety and security of the United Nations personnel, their property, key installations, manning all security check points and ensuring that UN visitors and contractors are well managed.
She also applauded the outgoing commander Lt Col Peter Omeja for working tirelessly to achieve the mandate and mission of the guard unit without incidences of any nature.
The SRSG commiserated with both the government of Uganda and UPDF for the loss of two members of the guard unit as a result of indirect fire from rocket shell and motor accident respectively.
She promised continued support to the guard unit at all times and wished the outgoing commander well and the incoming safe stay while in Somalia.
The Contingent Commander Brig Mbusi Lukwago who represented the Commander Land Forces Lt Gen Kayanga Muhanga handed over the Uganda flag to the incoming commander Lt Col Emmanuel Odongo.
He congratulated Lt Col Peter Omeja for the job well done and welcomed Lt Col Emmanuel Odongo for the task during his tour of duty.
He emphasized that due to ATMIS drawdown, more gaps shall be created for the Al-Shabaab to take advantage of and therefore implored the new commanding officer to take extra care and vigilance to ensure that the mandate and mission is accomplished successfully.
Brig Lukwago elaborated that the Somali working environment remains complex due to the continuous existence of Al-Shabaab.
He therefore encouraged them to work diplomatically but ensure that no stone is unturned to keep the safety and security of the all UN personnel and their property.
The Contingent Commander also appealed for tactics that will ensure safety of all key UN installations to serve there purpose for the stability of Somalia.
Brig Francis Chemo, the Defence Attaché to the Federal Republic of Somalia,acknowledged the work of UNGU in Somalia, noting that raising the Ugandan flag higher is evidence of outstanding performance by the guard unit to the satisfaction of the UNs.
“This is only achieved with a disciplined force,” he said.
He encouraged the Incoming commander to ensure that the force is kept to the standards of UN.
Brig Chemo encouraged the outgoing force commander to make good use of the accrued benefits in remembrance of the sacrifices made during the pacification of Somalia
The ceremony was also attended by the Financial Intelligence Advisor SP Tumushabe Lydia, Contingent Military Information Officer (CMIO) Lt Col ALEX Ahabyona, Contingent Assets Commander Lt Col Alex , Contingent Counter Intelligence Officer (CCIO) Maj Mucunguzi, Wsacco Liaison Officer, among others.
