Nile Post
By Ramson Muhairwe
Sunday March 9, 2025
Brig Michael Kabango addresses the troops.
The UPDF has officially concluded a post-mission ideological training course for Battle Group (BG) 40 and the United Nations Guard Unit (UNGU) X following their year-long deployment in Somalia.
The training, conducted at the International Peace Support Operations Training Centre (IPSO-CT) in Singo, aimed at reintegrating the troops into regular service after a demanding 12-month peacekeeping mission under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and the United Nations.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Chief of Staff – Land Forces, Brig Gen Michael Kabango, commended the soldiers for their resilience and professionalism. Representing the Deputy Commander of Land Forces, Maj Gen Francis Takirwa, Brig Gen Kabango emphasized the significance of their service in Somalia.
“This is not just about closing a course; it is about welcoming back warriors who have carried our flag high, thanking them for their sacrifice, and sending them off to rest before their next assignment,” he said.
He urged the troops to uphold discipline, patriotism, and financial prudence while preparing for future deployments.
Brig Gen Patrick Otongo, the Commandant of IPSO-CT, highlighted the importance of continuous training and praised the soldiers for their exceptional performance, attributing it to the rigorous preparation they underwent before deployment.
“Their dedication and professionalism reflect the effectiveness of our training programs. We appreciate the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs and the Land Force leadership for their unwavering support in ensuring our troops are well-prepared for international peace missions,” he noted.
BG 40 Commander, Col Topher Magino, and UNGU X Commander, Lt Col David Emmanuel Odongo, echoed similar sentiments, lauding their teams for maintaining discipline and successfully executing their mission. They encouraged the soldiers to carry forward the same professionalism as they reintegrate into regular service.
The ceremony was attended by senior commanders, officers from both battlegroups, and local community leaders.