Uganda, Somalia to Ink Deal on Further Training of Somali Forces

Kampala and Mogadishu have agreed to sign a new arrangement that would allow UPDF provide more support in bolstering the Somalia armed forces’ capabilities to take charge of the war-torn country’s security.

The Ugandan armed forces, United States and Turkey are proving military training for Somali forces in areas of counter terrorism, law enforcement, special operation and piracy among others.

Renewing authorization for AMISOM for one year ahead of national elections in 2020, United Nations Security Council recently ordered a reduction in uniformed personnel by 1,000 in line with the plan to transfer such responsibilities to Somali security forces.

AMISOM forces are required to conduct a gradual handover of security responsibilities to Somali forces, who aim to take the lead by 2021.

However, Uganda’s envoy to Somalia, Amb Nathan Mugisha recently warned that Somali forces were yet to be fully prepared to take over full control of their security.

“They are saying AMISOM should draw down but at what cost?” wondered Mugisha.

ChimpReports now understands that the Minister of State for Defence -General Duties Hon Col (Rtd) Charles Okello Engola and his Somali counterpart, Hon Hassan Ali Mohamed this week held a meeting aimed at improving bilateral relations in defence matters.

Uganda’s deputy defence spokesperson Lt Col Deo Akiiki says the two ministers “discussed and agreed on the need to initiate a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) through which Uganda can offer additional support especially towards building the capacity of the Somalia National Army.”

He added: “They (Okello and Ali) both pledged to continue encouraging and supporting their forces to keep the tempo and spirit of degrading the Alshabaab to enable the people live in peace.”

Uganda has previously cautioned that a swift drawdown of AMISOM without consideration of Somali’s ability to manage its country’s security could plunge the nation back into conflict.

UPDF remains heavily deployed in many areas across the country to provide protection to civilians and local leaders.

Losing ground

Mugisha said more work needs to be done to guarantee security of Somalia before AMISOM’s exit.

“Those who will remain; how will they manage the situation? That means we will have to lose ground. It shrinks. That would be handing over to al Shabaab. And of course we will have problems,” said Mugisha, who previously commanded UPDF in military operations against Al Shaabaab.

“We have communities which are very supportive. For example the communities in Barawe, over 90 percent want peace. As I speak, if there is any place we would draw down, Barawe will have to go. So what happens to that community? It means people will be displaced,” he emphasised.

Engola led lawmakers in Uganda on a tour of UPDF operations in Somalia.

Engola and Ali also discussed the prevailing security situation in the region and commended their two countries ‘forces for working together within the framework of AMISOM to bring lasting stability to Somalia.

The two Ministers further took note of the existing cordial relationship between their two governments noting that the “sacrifices made to bring peace to Somalia since the deployment of UPDF in 2007 will never be in vain.”