Mogadishu, Somalia | The Acting Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) in Somalia, Mr. Adebayo Kareem, has praised the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) for their pivotal role in stabilizing Somalia. His remarks came during his inaugural visit to Sector One headquarters in Mogadishu on Monday.
Mr. Kareem, who also heads the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), acknowledged that Uganda was the first country to deploy troops to Somalia under the African Union framework, during a time when the country was engulfed in civil war and piracy threatened the Indian Ocean region.
He said Uganda’s early intervention and the presence of the UPDF significantly influenced Somalia’s turnaround, noting that their contribution had become a historical milestone in Africa’s collective peace efforts.
According to him, the operational strength and effectiveness of the UPDF forced the Al-Shabaab insurgents to change tactics, shifting from direct combat to complex, asymmetrical warfare due to the Ugandan forces’ superiority.
Mr. Kareem pointed out that Sector One, which remains under UPDF command, served as the epicenter of Somalia’s stability and effective governance. He emphasized that its role was critical to the security and functionality of the nation.
Covering the Lower Shabelle region—Somalia’s agricultural heartland—Sector One also hosts key installations such as Villa Somalia (the presidential palace), Parliament, Mogadishu International Airport, the seaport, foreign embassies, and offices of international organizations.
Mr. Kareem also expressed appreciation to both the Ugandan government and the UPDF for their sustained commitment to peace and regional security.
He reaffirmed the African Union’s pledge to continue supporting civil-military initiatives aimed at improving the wellbeing of Somali citizens and ensuring that Somalia remains on the continent’s path toward development and integration.
AUSSOM Force Commander Lt Gen Sam Kavuma welcomed the visit, describing it as a timely gesture that reaffirmed the strategic importance of Sector One in Somalia’s broader stabilization framework.
Sector One Commander, Brig Gen Joseph Ssemwanga, said the visit was a major morale booster for the troops and demonstrated appreciation for their sacrifices and operational achievements.
Also present at the event were Sector Administration Officer Col John Mark Ssemanda, Sector One Operations Officer Col David Watasa, and other senior UPDF officers.