A convoy consisting of Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) and Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF) was ambushed on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of two personnel. The African Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) released a statement on Monday, July 8, 2024, detailing the attack.
Details of the Attack
ATMIS reported that the joint ATMIS-UPDF and SNAF logistics convoy was struck by a command wire Improvised Explosive Device (IED) along the Mogadishu-Buffow-Barawe route.
“The attack claimed two lives and injured personnel from both ATMIS and SNAF. All casualties have been evacuated to medical facilities,” the statement read. ATMIS extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
“The incident strengthens our resolve to support peace and security efforts in Somalia,” ATMIS emphasized.
Identifying the Deceased
Among the deceased was Major Opio Awany, the brother of Richard Todwong, the Secretary General of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). The attack also resulted in injuries to three UPDF soldiers.
Captain Ibrahim Ssekito, the UPDF Battle Group Information Officer, confirmed Major Awany’s death, noting that he was serving as the convoy commander when Al-Shabaab militants detonated an IED, hitting his vehicle and killing him instantly. The convoy, which was transporting logistics, was attacked between Buulo Nagad and Ceel Wareego in Lower Shabelle, Somalia.
Reactions and Tributes
On Monday, Richard Todwong, who was attending a public service leaders’ introspection retreat at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi, mourned his brother on the X-platform.
“I celebrate my brother, Maj. Opio Patrick Awany. Your dedication to protecting our country was your code and you approached your duty with unmatched passion. You bravely faced countless battles in the Central African Republic, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Somalia,” Todwong wrote.
He expressed profound sorrow over his brother’s death, adding, “Your life was tragically cut short on Sunday morning as you served our continent Africa. May your legacy endure to inspire more heroes. We will forever hold you in our hearts, Patrick. You were a true patriot.”
Context of the Attack
This attack occurred amidst an ongoing directive by ATMIS for troop-contributing countries to reduce their deployments and transfer certain operations to the Federal Government of Somalia Forces. This drawdown aims to gradually shift the responsibility of security back to Somali forces.
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Attack | Sunday, July 7, 2024 |
| Location | Mogadishu-Buffow-Barawe route, Somalia |
| Attack Method | Command wire Improvised Explosive Device (IED) |
| Casualties | 2 killed, including Maj. Opio Awany; 3 UPDF soldiers injured |
| Statement Released By | ATMIS |
| Date of Statement | Monday, July 8, 2024 |
| Notable Deceased | Maj. Opio Patrick Awany, brother of NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong |
| Reaction by Richard Todwong | Expressed grief and pride in his brother’s dedication and service |
| Broader Context | ATMIS directive for drawdown and transfer of operations to Somali forces |
