MOGADISHU, Oct. 27 (Xinhua) -- The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) on Thursday honored the outgoing Ugandan soldiers for their contribution to peace and stability efforts in the country.
The Uganda ATMIS contingent commander, Keith Katungi, lauded the outgoing battle group for conducting offensive operations against al-Shabab terrorists and securing parliamentary and presidential elections as well as their overall contribution to peace and stability efforts.
"It was important for us to look inward and ensure that the political transition and election period was smooth," Katungi said in a statement issued in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia.
The medals and certificates were awarded to a group of officers from the Uganda Battle Group 33 who has completed a one-year tour of duty in Somalia under ATMIS.
ATMIS Deputy Force Commander in charge of Operations and Plans William Kitsao Shume lauded the outgoing troops for ensuring a safer and stable Somalia.
During their tour of duty, the battle group personnel were stationed at military bases in Arbiska, Albao, Lafore, and Lantabur, located in southern Somalia.
The troops also secured key government installations in Mogadishu, including the presidential palace, Mogadishu seaport, the federal parliament, and the ATMIS base camp.
According to ATMIS, the outgoing troops, to be replaced by a new Uganda battle group, have maintained cordial relations with local Somali communities and secured routes that enabled the safe movement of people and goods along the main supply routes.
