Somali National Army Special Forces complete training in Uganda

KIRUHURA - A group of soldiers attached to the Somali National Army (SNA) Special Forces have officially been passed out from the 206 Commando Brigade Training Centre in Uganda.

The Centre, also known as “Camp Rufu” is located in Ruhengyere, Kiruhura district.

The Uganda government at the army declined to give details about the duration of the course or the number of trainees.

Somalia Minister of Defence Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, who led the Modagishu delegation lauded President Yoweri Museveni and the entire UPDF for helping to fight terrorism in Somalia. 

He said: ” Your sacrifices and support in Somalia will always be cherished as we fight terrorism to have a safe and secure Somalia. We shall forever be grateful.”

The Somali Defence Minister further commended UPDF for enhancing the capacity of SNA, saying “SNA will write UPDF history and spirits in Somalia.”

The Minister of State for Defence in charge of Veteran Affairs, Oleru Huda, who officiated at the graduation on Friday, May 19 congratulated trainees and noted that the acquired skills are crucial in countering terrorism and executing special tasks geared at pacifying Somalia.

In her brief remarks, Olero said that training together strengthens bilateral defence and security cooperation between Somalia and Uganda.

“SNA training helps to promote regional peace and security since it enhances the building of capacity. The role of securing critical installations will only be successful if you all practice what has been taught at all levels of command as you fight for the African cause I implore you not to betray their country and continent,” said Hon Huda according to a release from the UPDF.

Huda also commended both Presidents Yoweri Museveni and Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of the Federal Republic of for promoting Pan-Africanism, regional peace and security.

The UPDF Joint Chief of Staff (JCOS) Major General Leopold Kyanda, representing the Chief of Defence Forces General Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, appealed to the SNA Special Forces to maintain conscious discipline, follow the correct ideology, teamwork, be patriotic, committed and frugal, among others; for the total liberation of Somalia.

He urged SNA troops to stand on the Tripartite doctrine; which stipulates that any assistance must be built on the doctrine of building internal capacity to defend the country. “You need to be trained and be ideologically upright to achieve what is required,” he emphasized.

Kyanda remarked that unity is the foundation of any military and called for a campaign against sectarian tendencies, mentioning that these derail development. “When we leave Somalia, we know that we have left behind a strong force to look after Somalia and one that can develop your country,” he told the trainees.

The commander of 206 Brigade Col Asaph Mweteise told the newly trained SNA Special Forces that they have joined a unique group of Somalis who instead of doing normal jobs, opted to serve their country. “Whatever we have given you is out of our hearts. Please use it and make a difference in Somalia,” Col Mweteise implored graduates.

Several military officers who attended the pass-out and these included; CEO of Global Services Security Group (GSSG) Ali Mohamed Mohamud, Second Division Commander Maj Gen Bob Ogik, Deputy Commander Land Forces Maj Gen Francis Takirwa, Chief of Personnel and Administration Brig Gen James Kinalwa, Chief of Training and Recruitment Brig Gen Mathew Gureme and Air Force Chief of Staff Brig Gen David Gonyi.