At the Shalamboti Forward Operating Base in Lower Shabelle, forty-five soldiers from the Somali National Army’s 62 Battalion under the 06 Brigade successfully completed a month-long Organic Support Weapons training program. The course was delivered by Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) Battle Group 43, which is deployed under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia.
The closing ceremony highlighted both achievement and responsibility. Speaking on behalf of the Battle Group 43 Commander, Major Silvan Manirinde, the Battle Group Military Information Officer, praised the soldiers for their strong performance in the final field assessments. He applauded their discipline, bravery, and professionalism, emphasizing that the expertise gained would boost their operational effectiveness against Al-Shabaab.
Throughout the four-week course, the participants underwent intensive practical and tactical instruction focused on the proper handling and coordination of organic support weapons. The training incorporated realistic combat simulations designed to sharpen technical skills, teamwork, and battlefield decision-making. By the end of the program, the soldiers demonstrated improved coordination and confidence in executing complex operations.
Deputy Commander of the 06 Brigade, Major Bishar Ousma, encouraged the graduates to remain alert and sustain operational preparedness, noting that although Al-Shabaab has been significantly weakened, the threat has not been completely eliminated.
Major Zubairi Amson, Commanding Officer of 133 Battalion, congratulated the trainees for their discipline and urged them to share the knowledge and skills they acquired with fellow soldiers who did not attend the course. He described them as force multipliers capable of strengthening overall unit performance.
The event was attended by the Shalamboti Police Commander, a representative of the Marka District Commissioner, departmental heads from Battle Group 43, and senior Somali security officials, underscoring the continued partnership between Somali and Ugandan forces in promoting stability.