The Commander of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) contingent under the United Nations Guard Unit Eleven (UNGU-XI), Lieutenant Colonel Peter Ruyogoza Barigye, has paid a courtesy visit to the Uganda Embassy in Mogadishu, Somalia.
The visit aimed to strengthen coordination between Uganda’s military and diplomatic missions as part of broader efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.
Uganda’s Deputy Ambassador to Somalia, Major General (Rtd) Nathan K. Mugisha, welcomed the delegation and described the Embassy as a “home away from home” for all Ugandans serving in Somalia.
He reaffirmed the Embassy’s commitment to supporting UPDF personnel deployed under both regional and international peacekeeping frameworks.
Ambassador Mugisha commended the professionalism and dedication of Ugandan troops, highlighting their critical role in national and regional stability.
He emphasized that their mission embodies the ideals of Pan-Africanism and the value of peacebuilding in the Horn of Africa.
“The mission aligns with the ideals of Pan-Africanism,” he said, “and we remain committed to supporting UPDF operations in Somalia.”
Lt Col Barigye expressed UNGU-XI’s commitment to continued collaboration with the diplomatic mission and other stakeholders in Somalia.
“Teamwork is critical to the success of our peacekeeping mandate,” he noted.
Also present at the meeting was Uganda’s Defence Attaché to Somalia, Brigadier General Francis Chemonges.
Lt Col Barigye was accompanied by his deputy, Major Jacob Gowan Kaburika; Major Topista Opar Giramia, the Female Engagement and Gender Officer Captain Joseph Maada Edube, the Military Information Officer Captain Mustafa Ssegonja and the Civil-Military Relations Officer.
