The Commander of the Uganda Peoples’ 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 reinforce coordination between Uganda’s military and diplomatic missions as part of broader efforts to advance 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 reiterated the Embassy’s commitment to supporting UPDF personnel deployed under both regional and international peacekeeping frameworks.
Ambassador Mugisha praised the professionalism and dedication of Ugandan troops and commended their vital role in national and regional stabilisation. He emphasised that the mission reflects the ideals of Pan-Africanism and highlighted the enduring 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 reaffirmed UNGU-XI’s dedication to close collaboration with the diplomatic mission and other partners in Somalia, stressing that “teamwork is critical to the success of our peacekeeping mandate.”
Uganda’s Defence Attaché to Somalia, Brigadier General Francis Chemonges, also attended the meeting.
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; the Civil-Military Relations Officer; and Captain Mustafa Ssegonja.
