Hundreds of Somalis, especially women and children, have benefited from a medical outreach organized by the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces contingent under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
The initiative was part of the activities marking the 44th Tarehe Sita anniversary in Mogadishu, Somalia.
Speaking at the launch of the Tarehe Sita activities, the Contingent Administration Officer (CAO), Col John Mark Ssemanda, emphasised the significance of the day, which marks the beginning of the liberation struggle that ushered in peace, democracy, security, and stability.
“We relate with civilians very well, and we commemorate this day through civil-military activities such as medical outreach, tree planting, and cleaning up areas as a way of giving back to the community,” he said.
“We are proud of our doctrine, which is rich in civil-military relations and has made the UPDF great.”
During the outreach, over 800 Somalis were examined and treated by the UPDF medical team for various conditions, including non-communicable diseases. The services provided included dental care, eye screening and treatment, laboratory tests, minor surgeries, and referrals to the Level II UPDF hospital in Mogadishu.
Rahmah Osman Mohamed, one of the beneficiaries, expressed gratitude to the President of Uganda, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, for deploying the UPDF to help pacify Somalia.
She commended the strong working relationship between the troops and the local population, particularly the medical support provided at Marine Market.
Tarehe Sita, observed annually on February 6, is celebrated by all UPDF units to honour their contribution to Uganda’s liberation.
This year’s theme, “Celebrating Pan-African Solidarity and People’s Sacrifice in the Struggle for Freedom and Democracy for Socio-Economic Transformation,” aligns with the mission of UPDF troops in Somalia.
The event attracted officers and militants from the Uganda contingent under AUSSOM.
