On August 12, U.S. Ambassador Richard Riley visited Ugandan soldiers wounded in recent fighting at the AUSSOM Sector 1 Level II hospital in Mogadishu. The visit took place after heavy combat in Bariire, where AUSSOM and Somali National Army forces recaptured the town from al Shabaab.
During his visit, Ambassador Riley met with Sector One Commander Brigadier General Joseph Musoke Ssemwanga and nine injured soldiers. He thanked them for their efforts, stating, “We are very proud of what you and your colleagues have achieved in Bariire. We are thinking of you every day as you engage in this fight and doing all we can as the United States of America to support you.”
The United States is Somalia’s largest security partner against al Shabaab, providing significant annual security assistance that includes training, mentoring, logistics support such as flights and equipment delivery for UPDF soldiers serving with AUSSOM, as well as construction projects and contributions to UNSOS.
Ambassador Riley emphasized the role African troops play on the front lines: “These soldiers are the tip of the spear. They take the fight to the enemy every day, making the exceptional and personal sacrifices necessary for victory.” He also acknowledged their resilience following casualties suffered during operations to retake Bariire: “it has certainly been a hard fight and we deeply respect your bravery and tenacity.”
He further stated that efforts against al Shabaab serve a broader purpose: “The fight against al Shabaab – the Somalia branch of al Qaeda – is not just to keep Somalia safe, but to prevent these terrorists from threatening other countries, in Africa and beyond. Your bravery and sacrifice helped keep Somalia, Uganda, and the United States safer.”
The field hospital at Halane Base within Mogadishu Aden Adde International Airport provides medical care for African Union troops, Somali Security Forces involved in joint operations against terrorist groups like al Shabaab, as well as Somali civilians. It stabilizes wounded personnel before they are moved by MEDEVAC for specialized treatment.
Ambassador Riley’s visit followed his request to Brigadier General Ssemwanga for permission to meet with Ugandan troops. He highlighted Uganda’s longstanding partnership with the United States: “Uganda and the United States have been supporting Somalia for decades to defeat terrorist groups like al Shabaab.” The ambassador also recognized Uganda’s professionalism: “Uganda was one of the most respected countries in the world in terms of its recognized professionalism and extensive military support in the fight against al Shabaab,” thanking Ugandan soldiers on behalf of his country.
Brigadier General Ssemwanga responded by expressing appreciation for American assistance: “We will forever appreciate the support the United States gives us, the airstrikes, casualty evacuation, intelligence sharing, and much more.”