The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) serving under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) joined Somali communities in Mogadishu and Aribiska on Wednesday to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan and reinforcing growing civil–military cooperation.
The celebrations at Sector One Headquarters in Mogadishu were attended by senior AUSSOM officials, community leaders and Muslim faithful. Ambassador Hadji Ibrahima Diene, the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, praised the Ugandan contingent and other AUSSOM forces for ensuring a peaceful Ramadan.
“The peace and stability enjoyed during Ramadan did not come by chance. It was made possible by the sacrifice, commitment and professionalism of our forces on the ground,” Ambassador Diene said. He urged troops to remain disciplined and focused as Somalia continues its journey toward lasting peace.
Uganda’s Deputy Ambassador to Somalia, Maj Gen (Rtd) Nathan Mugisha, described this year’s Ramadan as historic, noting it was the first time since 2007 that the holy month had passed without an Al-Shabaab attack in Mogadishu.
AUSSOM Force Commander Lt Gen Sam Kavuma congratulated Muslims on completing Ramadan and called for continued vigilance. “We must maintain our vigilance, strengthen coordination and keep up the operational tempo so that Al-Shabaab is denied any chance to reorganise and threaten the gains made so far,” he said.
Brig Gen Jackson Kayanja, the Ugandan Contingent Commander, thanked the Muslim community for its devotion and expressed appreciation for the support and solidarity shown toward the UPDF.
Representing Somali residents, Capt Halima Ahmed Asseir thanked President Yoweri Museveni for deploying Ugandan troops, saying Somalia would remain grateful for Uganda’s role in restoring peace and offering humanitarian assistance.
In Aribiska, UPDF Battle Group 46 hosted a separate Eid dinner, further strengthening community engagement. Col Saul Nabimanya, the Battle Group Commander, commended Somali communities for their unity during Ramadan and applauded the Somali National Army (SNA) for its continued cooperation in joint operations against Al-Shabaab.
Lt Muhammad Abdu Rasid BK of the SNA’s Danab forces highlighted the resilience of Somali communities and the strong partnership between local residents, the SNA and the UPDF. Private Wasika Umar, head of the Muslim community in Aribiska, thanked the UPDF leadership for its compassion and support throughout the holy month.
The celebrations drew attendance from senior and junior officers, including Sector One Deputy Commander Col Francis Aragamoi Obita, Sector One Administrative Officer Col Hamza Kassajja, UNGU XII Commander Lt Col Nathan Akankunda, partners, SNA personnel, community elders and residents.