Parliament demands update on status of UPDF in Somalia following clashes

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT  |  Parliament has tasked the Defense and Veterans Affairs Ministry to explain the status of the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) in Somalia following the renewed unrest resulting from the President’s attempts to extend his mandate.  

The unrest started after President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed signed a law extending his term by two years without holding polls. Opposition fighters have taken over parts of Somalia’s capital Mogadishu following clashes with Government troops. 

Now Members of Parliament have raised concern about the status of Ugandan troops deployed under the African Union Mission in Somalia-AMISOM. Rising on a matter of national importance on Tuesday afternoon, Obongi County Member of Parliament, Hassan Kaps Fungaroo wondered on which side the Ugandan forces belong. 

He said that both the Uganda Police and the Army are in Somalia, saying there is a need to ensure their safety and position.

The Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga tasked the Defense Minister to make a statement on the status of UPDF in Somalia by Tuesday since the country is in chaos.   

Somalia is yet to recover from decades of war and has been characterized by terrorism, kidnaps and violent crime. The African Union Mission in Somalia is part of the process to ensure that the country recovers from decades of civil war.

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