Mogadishu (SD) – The new Commander of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), Lt Gen Diomede Ndegeya has paid his first visit to the 1st Division of the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF).

The Force Commander is on a tour of all parts of AMISOM in Somalia, beginning his tour at the first division, General Ndegeya was received by the Deputy Commander of the 1st Division, Col John Winston Mugarura.

“As the first contingent to have deployed in Somalia, UPDF is praised for bringing home the most significant victories for Somalia, AMISOM, Africa, and the world. Together with the Burundian National Defense Forces who later joined, you both successfully liberated Mogadishu in 2011. This is a huge feat that will always be remembered whenever AMISOM is mentioned,” said Lt. Gen. Ndegeya.

The commander praised Ugandan troops under AMISOM for their recent capture of Sabiid-Anole, Barire, Awdheegle, ceel Salini and Janale areas in the Lower Shabelle region.

“I must also recognize and applaud the UPDF for capturing the key bridge towns of Sabiid-Anole, Bariire, Awdheegle and Ceel Salini, and more recently the victories of the current UPDF combined Sector 1 troops commanded by Brigadier General Richard Otto, in capturing the key bridge town of Janaale,” said Lt. Gen. Ndegeya.

Ugandan troops have taken control of the largest area in Somalia after being deployed to Banadir and the Lower Shabelle regions, liberating those regions from al-Shabaab.