Gen. Kayanja takes over UPDF contingent in Somalia.

Brig. Gen. Jackson Kayanja takes command of the Ugandan contingent in Somalia, succeeding Brig. Gen. Joseph Ssemwanga Musoke in the African Union mission.

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Brig. Gen. Jackson Kayanja has assumed command of the Ugandan military contingent serving under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia.

The handover ceremony took place Dec. 19. Kayanja replaces Brig. Gen. Joseph Ssemwanga Musoke, who recently completed his tour of duty.

Lt. Gen. Kayanja Muhanga, commander of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces Land Forces, presided over the event. During his remarks, Muhanga reaffirmed the country’s dedication to regional stability and Pan-Africanism.

Uganda is a country that believes in Pan-Africanism, Muhanga said. We cannot sit back when our neighbors are suffering, and that is why we are here.

Muhanga praised Ssemwanga for his leadership, specifically noting the success of Operation Silent Storm. The mission targeted Al-Shabaab militants in the Lower Shabelle region and was credited with weakening the group’s operational capacity.

The lieutenant general urged the incoming commander to maintain security in Mogadishu and emphasize discipline and professionalism among the troops.

In his farewell address, Ssemwanga thanked mission partners and fellow commanders, attributing his success to teamwork within the African Union mission.

Kayanja pledged to build on the progress made by his predecessor and maintain a focus on the mission’s core objectives.

Several high-ranking officials attended the ceremony, including the AUSSOM force commander, Lt. Gen. Sam Kavuma, and the defense attaché, Brig. Gen. Francis Chemo.