MOGADISHU, Somalia – The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have handed over the responsibility of protecting the President, other very important persons (VIPs) and critical infrastructure in Somalia to the country’s security forces.
The handover was effected on Sunday and was attended by representatives from the United Nations (UN), officials from the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS), and members of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).
The UPDF has been responsible for the protection of key officials and infrastructure for the last 16 years.
The National Security Advisor to the president Hussein Sheikh Ali Maalim noted that the handover of the two vital installations is a significant milestone not only to the Federal government of Somalia but also to the people of Somalia.
“This is a historical day, the takeover of these vital installations is a testimony by the government to the public who are now seeing Somalia government as being serious in protecting their own. It is a milestone not because ATMIS is leaving but it shows government is serious in protecting its citizens,” explained Hussein Maalim.
The Chief of Staff office of the president Abdihakim Mohamed Yusuf, reminisced the sacrifice from the brothers and sisters of all troop contributing countries who have helped in rebuilding Somalia.
He acknowledged that Somalia is fighting the most sophisticated terror group in the world – Al Shabaab.
“The fact that we are taking over security responsibility of these vital installations, shows that we are defeating them. We are now fighting Al-Shabaab 500 to 800 kilometers away from Mogadishu. We shall forever remain grateful to your sacrifice. Our cooperation and partnership will not end here but this is the beginning. Thank you TCCs particula onrly Ugandan forces who have been here for the last 16 years. We share this bond and we will remain grateful,” remarked Abdihakim.
The Dispatch
