Brig Gen Anthony Lukwago Mbuusi has taken over as the new Sector One Contingent Commander for the African Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), succeeding Brig Gen Peter Gaetano Omola, who completed his tour of duty. The handover ceremony occurred at Basecamp sector one headquarters in Mogadishu, Somalia.
During the ceremony, ATMIS Force Commander Lt Gen Sam Okiding emphasized the importance of troop aggressiveness against Al-Shabaab to limit their freedom of action. He highlighted the challenges of the ongoing war-withdrawal phase and urged a robust roadmap for withdrawal, stressing the need for increased aggression.
Lt Gen Okiding acknowledged the benefits of Troop Contributing Countries’ intervention in pacifying Somalia and noted the achievement of handing over Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) to Somali Security Forces, aligning with the African Union mandate.
Brig Gen Peter Omola outlined achievements during his tenure, including combat deployment of air assets, implementation of the Somali Transition Plan, sustainability operations, and humanitarian assistance to local communities. Challenges in Sector One, such as inadequate force enablers and poor infrastructure, were also addressed.
In his acceptance speech, Brig Gen Anthony Lukwago Mbuusi expressed gratitude to President Museveni for the trust placed in him. Recognizing the challenges ahead, he expressed confidence in overcoming them through dedication and resilience, calling for unity and cooperation for a collective approach to achieving a peaceful Somalia.
The handover ceremony was attended by various dignitaries, including Uganda Defence Advisor to Somalia Brig Gen Francis Chemo, Uganda Battle Group Commanders, partners from Bancroft International Global and UNMAS, and heads of departments in Sector One.
