At least seven Ugandan soldiers have lost their lives in Somalia as part of the ongoing military operations against the Al-Shabaab militant group, according to an army spokesperson. The soldiers were involved with the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which is dedicated to countering the threats posed by Al-Shabaab.
These fatalities occurred during a significant three-day siege in the Lower Shabelle region, where Ugandan forces successfully recaptured a town previously occupied by the militants. However, the Ugandan People’s Defence Force spokesman, Felix Kulayigye, confirmed the tragic loss of the seven soldiers during the intense fighting.
The current situation in Somalia has raised alarms regarding a potential resurgence of jihadist activities, particularly as AUSSOM grapples with a shortage of troops and critical funding. The mission, which took over from the previous African Union mission, currently comprises 11,146 soldiers, yet reports indicate a pressing need for an additional 8,000 personnel to adequately address the challenges on the ground.
Somalia’s struggle against the violent Islamist insurgency has been ongoing, with Al-Shabaab historically linked to Al-Qaeda. Although there were signs of a weakening insurgency in 2022 and 2023, thanks to the efforts of Somali forces and African Union peacekeepers, recent attacks have ignited concerns about the group regaining strength. Notably, Al-Shabaab militants targeted the convoy of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Mogadishu back in March, signaling a troubling shift in their operational capabilities.
The situation remains tense as both local and international military forces navigate the complexities of a prolonged conflict, with heightened vigilance required in the face of renewed threats from militant factions.
