Uganda deploys Battle Group 47 to Somalia under AUSSOM to combat Al-Shabaab

A section of Battle Group XLVII (BG 47) soldiers deployed by Uganda to Somalia. (Photo: Handout)

By Abdirahman Khalif
Thursday, April 30, 2026

Military officials said the deployment forms part of continued regional and international coordination aimed at supporting Somalia in its efforts to manage armed violence linked to Al-Shabaab.

A unit from the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) has been deployed to Somalia under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) to combat armed groups and reinforce state structures.

The deployment involves Battle Group 47, which left Uganda after completing preparations at the peace support operations training facility in Nakaseke District, central Uganda. The soldiers underwent months of field training and operational exercises tailored to stabilisation and peace enforcement tasks.

Military officials said the deployment is part of ongoing regional and international coordination to help Somalia manage armed violence linked to Al‑Shabaab and maintain state authority in insecure areas, while also supporting governance and public order.

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Brig Gen Fred Mwesigye. (Photo: UPDF)Training officials confirmed Battle Group 47 completed several months of preparation, including field exercises and simulated operational environments. Col. Moses Nabaasa, Commandant of the training facility, said the unit met the required standards and was ready for deployment.

According to Battle Group 47 commander Col. Wilson Barigye, the personnel are prepared to serve under the African Union mission’s command structure and will coordinate with other contributing forces in support of Somali security institutions.

AUSSOM continues earlier African Union operations in Somalia, bringing together forces from several countries under one command system to support Somali government troops, maintain security in areas affected by armed groups, and promote long‑term stability.

Uganda was the first country to deploy troops to Somalia in 2007 under the AU mission framework and has remained a key contributor ever since.

Ugandan forces are currently assigned to Sector One, covering parts of Mogadishu and the Lower Shabelle region, where they secure key infrastructure such as Mogadishu International Airport, protect government facilities, and maintain security in major towns alongside Somali and international forces.

The deployment of Battle Group 47 continues the UPDF’s rotation system in Somalia, where units are trained, deployed, and replaced in cycles as part of the wider AU stabilisation effort aimed at reducing armed conflict and strengthening governance structures.