First son Muhoozi Kainerugaba: UPDF not in Somalia for Money

First son and Commander Land Forces Lt Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has told 2,127 soldiers being trained at the Singo Peace Support Training Centre (PSO-TC) in Nakaseke District that UPDF is not in Somalia for money.

On August 25, Lt Gen Kainerugaba addressed the soldiers in Singo after a tour of the new housing units for senior officers as guided by PSO-TC commandant Brig Gen Bonny Wolimbwa.

Uganda, the first country in the region to contribute soldiers under the African Mission in Somalia (Amisom) as early as 2007, is expected to send more troops – soldiers under Battle Group 33 – to enforce peace in the war-torn nation.

Besides the planned sending of troops to Somalia to boost efforts aimed at the capture of central and southern Somalia from the Al Shabaab militants, UPDF will also keep training Somali forces who will be charged with securing the country after the withdrawal of troops under the Amisom peace keeping mission.

Now, speaking in Singo, Kainerugaba made it clear to the soldiers that “our reason for fighting the Al-Shabaab in Somalia is peace.”

“We are not there [Somalia] for gold, diamonds, or money,” added the first son and CLF.

“Some people may think like that but our purpose is to help our brothers and sisters achieve peace because we don’t want to see them suffering.”

He saluted the soldiers for their commitment in securing Uganda and brotherly nations, but warned them against behaving like businessmen who are motivated by profit.

“I want to thank you for your determination not only to serve your own country but to also serve a brotherly African country,” said Kainerugaba.