Kampala, Uganda — The Deputy Commander of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Land Forces, Major General Francis Takirwa, has addressed a new contingent of Ugandan soldiers who will soon be deployed to Somalia as part of the African Union Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

Speaking during a briefing ceremony, Gen. Takirwa urged the troops to uphold the principles of Pan-Africanism, discipline, and patriotism throughout their mission.

“You must always promote the unity and moral values of African societies, focusing on patriotism and safeguarding the interests of your country,” said Major General Francis Takirwa.

He emphasized that the deployment aims to reinforce peace and stability in Somalia and to prevent terrorist attacks carried out by Al-Shabaab militants.

Uganda remains the largest troop-contributing nation within AUSSOM, with its forces primarily operating across southern Somalia, where they continue to play a crucial role in peacekeeping, stabilization, and counter-terrorism efforts.