The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), together with Somali National Army (SNA) troops, have successfully entered one of the key Al-Shabaab strongholds in southern Somalia as part of ongoing counter-terrorism operations.
According to military sources, the joint forces launched a coordinated offensive that pushed deep into the militants’ territory, marking a significant breakthrough in efforts to neutralize the extremist group’s control over the region.
The operation, conducted under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), targeted critical Al-Shabaab positions used for recruitment, planning, and logistics. UPDF spokesperson Brig. Gen. Felix Kulayigye confirmed the advancement, describing it as “a major success in restoring peace and stability in Somalia.”
He praised Ugandan and Somali troops for their bravery and discipline, noting that such missions are crucial to securing both Somalia and the wider East African region from terrorist threats.
The UPDF has been a key contributor to peacekeeping operations in Somalia for nearly two decades, helping to reclaim several areas from Al-Shabaab control and facilitate humanitarian relief.
Military officials reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to supporting Somalia’s full recovery, strengthening local governance, and dismantling extremist networks across the Horn of Africa.
