The UN’s Special Representative in Somalia Michael Keating has paid tribute to Ugandan soldiers from the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), who lost their lives in an ambush on Sunday.
The troops were ambushed during a regular patrol to secure the Mogadishu-Barawe Main Supply Route which still harbors pockets of Alshabaab insurgents. The joint patrol was conducted with Somali National Army soldiers in the Lower Shabelle region of Somalia about 140 kilometers south West of Mogadishu. As a result, 12 AMISOM soldiers lost their lives while seven others sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment.
Michael Keating expressed deepest condolences to the families and colleagues of the soldiers, who were killed by Al-Shabaab militants. His message was delivered by UN spokesperson Stephanie Dujarric.
The bodies of the fallen soldiers will be brought back home on Wednesday.
The Minister of Defense and Veterans Affairs, Adolf Mwesigye told Parliament on Tuesday remains of the fallen heroes will land at Entebbe International Airport tomorrow at 13:30 local time.