UPDF commits to deliver peace, stability in Somalia

By Elizabeth Ankunda

13^th June 2023

The European Union Ambassador to Uganda, His Excellency Jan Sadek has lauded Uganda’s commitment towards peace, security and stability in the region during a meeting with the Minister of Defense and Veteran Affairs, Vincent Bamulangaki Ssempijja.

Sadek had led a European Union delegation in Uganda as they met with Ssempijja and the Chief of Defense Forces, General Wilson Mbadi at the Ministry of Defense Headquarters, Mbuya where they discussed the engagements of the Uganda Peoples’ Defense Forces in the region.

Ssempijja said that the Ministry of Defense and Veteran Affairs and the Uganda Peoples’ Defense Forces are grateful for the support extended by the European Union.

The Minister told the European Union Delegation that the security of Uganda is calm as the country continues to contain traditional and non-traditional threats to the stability of the country.

H.E Sadek on behalf of the delegation extended condolences to Uganda following the attack on the Forward Operating Base in Somalia on 26th May, 2023.

General Mbadi reiterated UPDF’s commitment towards ensuring peace, security and stability in the region. “We can’t be an enclave of peace when we are surrounded by a sea of insecurity,” said Gen Mbadi.

The meeting was attended by Italy’s Ambassador, Massimilliano Mazzanti, Ireland’s Ambassador, Kevin Colgan, Germany’s Ambassador, Matthias Schauer, France’s Ambassador, Xavier Sticker, and Deputy EU Head of Delegation, Guillaume Chartrain, Representatives from Belgium and Denmark, the Military Assistant to the CDF, Brig Gen Irumba Tingira among others.