Thirteen officers from the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces serving under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia, have successfully completed a week-long Human Security Planning course facilitated by the United Kingdom Mission Support Team in Mogadishu.
The training aimed to enhance the officers’ capacity to integrate human security principles into the planning and execution of stabilisation operations.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Col Richard Grover, Commander of United Kingdom Mission Support Team in Mogadishu. in Somalia, commended the officers for their dedication throughout the course. He underscored the critical role of planning in military success.
He encouraged the officers to implement the lessons learned and to share them with junior commanders and frontline troops, highlighting the importance of community trust in securing lasting peace.
Meanwhile the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces Contingent under the United Nations Guard Unit Eleven has celebrated the promotion of 190 Non-Commissioned Officers during a ceremony held at the Contingent headquarters in Mogadishu.
Presiding over the event, Contingent Commander Lt Col Peter Ruyogoza Barigye congratulated the newly promoted officers, commending their dedication, discipline and commitment to duty.
He encouraged the officers to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, loyalty, and patriotism as they take on greater responsibilities within the United Nations mission.
The United Nations Principal Security Adviser, Joseph Katuramu, echoed the call for responsibility, reminding the officers that elevation in rank comes with heightened expectations.
“Leadership demands accountability, maturity, and continuous improvement. Avoid complacency because others are watching and rising,” Katuramu said.
While delivering remarks on behalf of the AUSSOM Sector One Commander, Lt Col Vincent Mutebi Masembe, the Sector One Anti-Aircraft Asset Commander also extended congratulations and offered words of guidance.
“Promotion is a well-thought-out and deliberate process. But it also signals a new phase of responsibility. Stay disciplined and focused because there are more ranks ahead,” He said.
The senior-most Non Commissioned Officers, Warrant Officer Class I Labu Alex, promoted from WOII, thanked the UPDF leadership for the recognition of his service. He encouraged his peers to remain patient, disciplined, and committed in their roles.
“I will use my new rank to support my juniors and superiors in every way possible,” WO1 Labu said.
In total, the 190 promotions included: 3 Warrant Officers Class I, 4 Warrant Officers Class II, 15 Staff Sergeants, 25 Sergeants, 57 Corporals, and 86 Lance Corporals.
The event was attended by senior officers including Deputy Commander Maj Jacob Gowan Kaburika, company commanders, department heads, and other UPDF personnel deployed under the UN mission.
