KAMPALA (KAAB TV) — At least seven soldiers from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have been confirmed dead following a joint military operation conducted in Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region. The operation, which lasted three days, targeted Al-Shabaab strongholds in the Sabeed-Canole area and was conducted in collaboration with the Somali National Army (SNA) and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), also known as AUSSOM.
The Ministry of Defense of Somalia officially confirmed the casualties, while Brigadier General Felix Kulayigye, UPDF Spokesperson for Defense and the Military, acknowledged the loss in a press briefing on Sunday. He described the deaths as a “painful but brave sacrifice in the line of duty,” emphasizing the professionalism and commitment of the fallen soldiers.
The coordinated offensive, codenamed “Operation Silent Storm,” reportedly resulted in the death of at least 30 Al-Shabaab militants. Additionally, joint forces recovered a significant cache of weapons, dismantled numerous improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and destroyed underground hideouts used by the militants.
According to military reports, the UPDF casualties occurred during intense combat as the joint task force stormed well-fortified enemy positions. These included underground networks and strategic hideouts where the militants had entrenched themselves.
In a press release, General Sam Kavuma, the AUSSOM Commander, commended the courage and professionalism of the Ugandan and Somali troops, stating,
“I commend the bravery of our AUSSOM-UPDF troops and the Somali National Army. Their efforts have dealt a major blow to a long-standing terror hub in Lower Shabelle.”
Brigadier General Joseph Musoke Ssemwanga, Commander of the UPDF First Division, described Sabeed-Canole as a key logistical and operational base for Al-Shabaab.
“Since March, this area has served as a strategic planning and supply hub for the terrorists,” he noted. “They used it to store weapons, equip vehicles with explosives (VBIEDs), and set up illegal checkpoints to harass and extort civilians.”
Following the operation, joint forces began consolidating control over the area, with AUSSOM and SNA units now conducting follow-up operations in the Afgooye district, where remnants of Al-Shabaab are believed to be regrouping.
Military officials have confirmed that the bodies of the seven fallen Ugandan soldiers will be repatriated and laid to rest with full military honors in Uganda.
Uganda has played a pivotal role in Somalia’s stabilization efforts since 2007, as part of the African Union’s broader peacekeeping initiative. Despite significant progress, Al-Shabaab—an Al-Qaeda affiliate—continues to stage attacks across Somalia, posing a persistent threat to regional peace and stability.
In 2022, the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) transitioned into the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), with a renewed focus on empowering Somali forces and gradually reducing the foreign military presence.