KAMPALA, Uganda
President of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni has said that al-Shabaab militants killed 54 Ugandan soldiers including the commander during a recent attack in Somalia.
The president disclosed this
to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) MPs retreat at the National
Leadership Institute-Kyankwanzi.
The president however did not
give specific details regarding casualties, prisoners of war, or missing
soldiers serving under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).
Museveni did mention that the
high number of casualties could be attributed to the actions of Majors Oluka
and Obbo, saying these commanders ordered the soldiers to retreat, resulting in
their subsequent apprehension and impending court-martial charges.
“They have been apprehended
and will face charges in the court-martial,” the president posted on his
Twitter handle.
The president commended the
remaining soldiers for their confidence, demonstrating remarkable resilience as
they swiftly reorganized themselves and successfully recaptured the base
previously overrun by the militants.
Furthermore, Museveni stated
that the al-Shabaab militants, affiliated with Al-Qaeda, attempted another
attack but were effectively repelled by the vigilant forces.
“These terrorists attempted
another ill-fated attack on Baraawe town, but our forces dealt them a
significant blow, forcing them to flee," he said.
Museveni's statement comes one
week after the attack in Bulamarer, located approximately 130 kilometers southwest
of Mogadishu. Al-Shabaab had previously claimed responsibility for the attack,
asserting that they had caused the deaths of 137 soldiers and captured several
others as prisoners of war.
While promising to provide
further information following a comprehensive investigation by the military
board of inquiry, Museveni expressed his condolences to the families of the
fallen soldiers.
He also admonished the field
commanders for their role in the humiliating attack, reminding them that their
primary purpose in Somalia is to fight against the enemy rather than focusing
on earning what he called fat UN allowances.
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