national 17 February 2026 Howwe Entertainment
UPDF Equips 45 Somali Troops with Weapons Training to Bolster Lower Shabelle Security
The Uganda People’s Defence Force has trained 45 Somali National Army soldiers in organic support weapons over a month, aiming to enhance their fight against Al-Shabaab in Lower Shabelle. Officials praised the graduates' discipline and urged them to share skills for stronger regional security. Source: https://www.howwe.ug/news/national/42477/updf-trains-45-somali-soldiers-to-strengthen-security-in-lower-shabelle
Forty-five soldiers from the Somali National Army’s 62 Battalion, part of the 06 Brigade, completed a one-month training program on organic support weapons. Delivered by UPDF Battle Group 43 at Shalamboti Forward Operating Base under the African Union mission, the course focused on building combat skills.
Major Silvan Manirinde, speaking for the Battle Group 43 Commander, commended the trainees for their discipline, bravery, and professionalism shown in final field exercises. He noted that their new expertise would boost their ability to counter Al-Shabaab threats and emphasized the strong UPDF-SNA partnership for better operations and security handovers.
Maj Bishar Ousma, Deputy Commander of the 06 Brigade, advised the graduates to stay combat-ready and vigilant despite Al-Shabaab’s recent losses. Major Zubairi Amson, Commanding Officer of the 133 Battalion, called them ‘force multipliers’ and encouraged sharing the knowledge with other troops to protect Shalamboti and Lower Shabelle.
The ceremony drew attendees including the Shalamboti Police Commander, a Marka District Commissioner representative, Battle Group 43 heads, and Somali security commanders.