The Special Representative of African Union Commission Chairperson (SRCC) HE Mohammed El-Amine Souef has commended the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) contingent commander serving under ATMIS in Somalia Brig Gen Keith Katungi for promoting harmony and Pan-Africanism on the continent during his one year tour of duty.
He made the remarks while officiating at a medal parade and certificate award ceremony to appreciate Brig Gen Keith Katungi and his deputy Col David Opero for their distinguished service during their one-year tour of duty.
The function took place at ATMIS force headquarters in Mogadishu the capital of Somalia. “Brig Gen Keith Katungi is a representation of harmony and Pan-Africanism, he has not only been a working colleague but a brother to all, we had good working relations and we have been at the same page, this has played an important role to bring peace in Somalia, we are proud of you and your country”, said H E Mohammed Souef.
He further remarked that, Brig Gen Katungi played a vital role to ensure a peaceful electoral process that just concluded in Somalia.
He concluded by thanking the government of Uganda for choosing such a brave commander to serve here in Somalia and appreciated this to be a befitting ceremony for him and his deputy.
In his remarks, Brig Gen Keith Katungi who is at the same time acting force commander said ” Peace in Somalia and Africa is our desired end state, lam glad there is goodwill and total rejection to Alshabaab from Somali community,” said Brig Gen Katungi.
He thanked the president of Uganda and commander in chief HE Gen Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for appointing him to command UPDF troops in Somalia to facilitate peace and serve humanity.
He concluded by appreciating UPDF troops under his command, African Union, SRCC, government of Somalia and all partners in ATMIS that have enabled the prevailing peace through coordination adding that coordination is the way to go because it makes things easier.
Brig Gen Keith Katungi and Col David Opero’s tour of duty in Somalia ends this December 2022 and both are soon rotating out of the mission.
Present at the function were incoming UPDF Contingent Commander Brig Gen Peter Gaetano Omola, Commanders and Staff Officers from ATMIS force headquarters, Officers from the police component, representatives from African Union and United nations among others.
