The Ugandan government has said its troops in Somalia will not interfere in Somalia’s internal affairs, insisting that their mandate is limited to security operations under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
The acting spokesperson for the Ugandan Defence Force (UPDF), Colonel Chris Magezi, said that internal political affairs in Somalia are not part of the Ugandan military’s mission.
“It is beyond the mandate of the UPDF in Somalia to interfere in the internal affairs of the country,” Magezi told New Vision.
He said the Ugandan troops would continue their operations in the fight against Al-Shabaab and ISIS, protecting civilians, and supporting the capacity building of the Somali Security Forces.
Uganda’s statement came amid political tensions that have escalated into clashes in the cities of Baidoa and Mogadishu, which are linked to political disputes between the federal government and opposition groups.
Uganda was the first country to send troops to Somalia in 2007, and its troops still play a key role in maintaining security in Mogadishu and other areas in the south of the country.
