MOGADISHU – Uganda’s Commander of Land Forces (CLF) Lt. Gen. Peter Elwelu, made a working visit to Somalia, where he interacted with officers at the Uganda Contingent Headquarter in the capital Mogadishu.
In his remarks, Lt Gen Elwelu thanked Brig Michael Kabango and his entire team for holding the Uganda flag high.
He noted that Somalia has made a name for Uganda in the international community, through the sacrifices of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) in Somalia.
Gen. Elwelu said that the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) is very important to Uganda and to Africa at large while noting that, it is the first successful African Union (AU) mission. “This is a very important mission for us, not only us but also for Africa. This is the first African Union mission, which has been very successful.” The General said while adding that, “You can see the results. It was war in Somalia, but AU came in, with Uganda as the lead and today everybody is running back to Somalia.”
The Commander Land Forces said that the world in the international community has confidence in Somalia, which is seen through a spate of various organizations that are streaming in, to help Somalia stand independently. He further observed that this has been as a result of the sacrifices as a country, with the leadership and guidance of H.E the President of Uganda. “All this has been as a result of our sacrifices as a country and as individuals, above all the leadership of our President and his wise counsel. Without his leadership, we wouldn’t be here in the first place. He is always very much interested in whatever happens, right from tactical level to strategic. He always guides us and ensures that we do the right thing.” The General elaborated.
He noted that it is imperative not to let the President down and that UPDF should leave Somalia at an appropriate time with dignity. He urged the officers to ensure that the objectives of the mission are achieved and that whatever was started, must be maintained to the end till Somalis are able to do things their own way.
General Elwelu implored the officers to refrain from acts of indiscipline so as to maintain the good name of UPDF in the international community.
Speaking from a spiritual point of view, he also urged officers that could have acted inappropriately while in the mission area, to repent and subsequently change their conduct. “My message to you officers, ‘be good seeds not weeds and bare good fruits,’ just like Jesus sawed good fruits. If you find an officer who does not possess such, then know he is not a UPDF officer.” The General preached.
He encouraged officers at all levels to promote cultures of comradeship, working together as a team and to learn to survive within their means.
Present in the meeting were; the Contingent Operations Officer Col Frank Kyambadde, Chief Administration Officer Col Elvis Byamukama, UPDF senior officers at the Uganda contingent headquarters.
