MOGADISHU — The Uganda Peoples’ Defense Forces (UPDF) under AMISOM have participated in a cultural gala where different African cultures and norms were displayed at the Uganda contingent headquarters in Mogadishu, Somalia.
UPDF showcased the different rich cultures Uganda boasts of.
The Gala, whose theme was “Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces a United Force in Cultural Diversity”, was officiated by Ugandan Ambassador to Somalia Prof. Sam Turyamuhika.
Prof Turyamuhika welcomed all the participants and thanked the UPDF for being united with other AMISOM contributing countries during AMISOM operations in order to restore peace in Somalia.
He also thanked the UPDF for the commitment and sacrifices rendered while serving in AMISOM since 2007 when Uganda joined AMISOM.
He reminisced that the situation in Somalia by then had very many security challenges but because of UPDF’s spirit of pan Africanism, it managed to turn around the situation to what is witnessed today.
“In African Traditional culture, we have several tribes and cultures but again it should not gear someone to under look other cultures because they shape us into responsible people”.
The Ambassador said there would never have been a celebration of such as the cultural gala in Somalia if it was still insecure but UPDF’s tireless efforts have made it possible.
Amb. Turyamuhika thanked the Somali National Forces (SNA) for committing to occupy the military camps that AMISOM is creating. He said that this gives hope that Somalia is ready to defend and protect herself.
The Uganda Contingent commander (sector one) Brigadier General Michael Kabango informed the gathering that in this cultural gala,Uganda is celebrating the success of the mission in Somalia under AMISOM and the good work UPDF has so far done.
“We are celebrating for the sacrifices, efforts and commitments that UPDF under AMISOM has given our brother country Somalia in African culture, traditional dancing is part of celebrations more especially when people are happy, when producing twins, marrying and harvesting crops. We are therefore happy for the assistance we are giving our brothers with significant success.
“We are in the mission area with healthy body and mind, and that has made us tough and good fighters” Gen Kabango said.
He thanked the government of Somalia and other AMISOM troop contributing countries for the good cooperation since 2007 when AMISOM started.
The cultural gala was also attended by Kenyan Ambassader to Somalia Lucas Kyonze Tumbo, Rtd. Maj. Gen. Nathan Mugisha the Deputy Ugandan Ambassador to Somalia, Lt Col Ian Murry the American Defence Attache to Somalia, Somalia government officials, UN and AMISOM officials among others.
