President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has officially confirmed the deaths of 54 soldiers, including a commander, in a recent attack carried out by al-Shabaab militants in Somalia. The president shared this information through his official Twitter account, initially disclosing it during a retreat with NRM Members of Parliament at the National Leadership Institute- Kyankwanzi.
Although the tweet lacked specific details regarding casualties, prisoners of war, or missing soldiers serving under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), President Museveni did mention that the high number of casualties could be attributed to the actions of Majors Oluka and Obbo. Allegedly, these commanders ordered the soldiers to retreat, resulting in their subsequent apprehension and impending court-martial charges.
“They have been apprehended and will face charges in the court-martial,” the president posted on his Twitter handle. The president commended the remaining soldiers for their confidence, demonstrating remarkable resilience as they swiftly reorganized themselves and successfully recaptured the base previously overrun by the militants.
Furthermore, President Museveni stated that the al-Shabaab militants, affiliated with Al-Qaeda, attempted another attack but were effectively repelled by the vigilant forces. “These terrorists attempted another ill-fated attack on Baraawe town, but our forces dealt them a significant blow, forcing them to flee.”
President Museveni’s statement comes one week after the attack in Bulamarer, located approximately 130 kilometers southwest of Mogadishu. Al-Shabaab had previously claimed responsibility for the attack, asserting that they had caused the deaths of 137 soldiers while capturing others as prisoners of war.
While promising to provide further information following a comprehensive investigation by the military board of inquiry, President Museveni expressed his condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers.
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