The Uganda Peoples Defence Forces Spokesman Maj Gen Felix Kulayigye has hailed the ‘Operation Harmony’, that is led by the 5th Infantry Division which continues to make steady progress.
The operation is being conducted in coordination with local authorities and other security agencies, in line with Presidential directives concerning the lawful presence of the Balaalo in the region.
Maj Gen Kulayigye has explained in a press release that recent claims circulating in the public domain alleging misconduct by security personnel are completely false and no officer participating in ‘Operation Harmony’ has been arrested and all deployed personnel remain fully committed to their duties and are executing their responsibilities with professionalism and impartiality.
Maj Gen Kulayigye however said that unfortunately, a few individuals and groups appear to be deliberately spreading misinformation intended to incite ethnic tension, intimidate security personnel, and mislead the public and this form of propaganda undermines public trust and risks stirring unnecessary conflict.
The Army Spokesman explained that all evictions are being conducted peacefully, in consultation with local leaders, and strictly within the boundaries of the law and the security forces remain focused on maintaining public order and preventing violence or unlawful activity.
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Maj Gen Kulayigye therefore encourages members of the general public to report any concerns through recognised and lawful channels, including local leadership structures and authorised security representatives and Senior UPDF officers are stationed at designated collection centres and are working closely with District Security Committees to address legitimate grievances.
He said that ‘Operation Harmony’ will not be distracted by misinformation and the UPDF remains committed to executing government policy with discipline, transparency, and unwavering respect for peace and the rule of law.
Meanwhile Maj Gen Kulayigye has disclosed that a group of Al Shabaab militants launched a coordinated attack on Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) located in Sabiid-Anole Town in Southwest of Mogadishu yesterday.
These bases are jointly manned by the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), operating under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF).
According to a statement dated July 25th and signed by issued by Maj Gen Kulayigye, the joint forces successfully repelled the attack, forcing the terrorists to flee and 19 Al Shabaab militants were killed in action, while 13 others escaped with serious injuries.
He said that during the operation, the joint forces recovered a cache of weapons, including one 82 mm mortar barrel, 6 PKM machine guns and 13 submachine guns (SMGs).
Maj Gen Kulayigye explained that the affected Foerwad Operational Bases were recently liberated from Al Shabaab in June and remain under the firm control of African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia and the Somali National Armed Forces troops and a follow-up military operation is currently underway to track down the remaining militants and their accomplices.
The African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia has since assures the residents of Sabiid-Anole and the surrounding communities of their continued safety and security and the joint forces have intensified operations in the Lower Shabelle region to dismantle Al Shabaab’s presence and liberate all areas still under their control.
