UPDF Announces New Contingent Commander for African Union Mission in Somalia
MOGADISHU – In a formal handover ceremony on Friday, Brigadier General Jackson Kayanja assumed the role of Contingent Commander for the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) serving under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). He takes over from Brigadier General Joseph Musoke Ssemwanga.
The transition was presided over by the UPDF Land Forces Commander, Lieutenant General Kayanja Muhanga, who highlighted the significant contributions of the outgoing commander. Lt. Gen. Muhanga specifically commended Brig. Gen. Ssemwanga’s leadership during the recent #OperationSilentStorm, a critical offensive against Al-Shabaab militants in the Lower Shabelle region.
Addressing the incoming commander, Lt. Gen. Muhanga outlined key priorities for the new tenure. He urged Brig. Gen. Kayanja to maintain the operational momentum against insurgent forces, enhance security measures within the capital, #Mogadishu, and uphold the highest standards of professionalism among Ugandan troops.
In their remarks, both the outgoing and incoming commanders expressed gratitude to the UPDF leadership and international partners for their sustained support of the mission. Brig. Gen. Kayanja emphasized a collaborative approach in his new role, stating that teamwork would be fundamental to achieving AUSSOM’s strategic mandate of stabilizing Somalia.
The ceremony was attended by senior military officials, including the AUSSOM Force Commander, Lieutenant General Sam Kavuma, underscoring the mission’s coordinated structure.
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