The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has flagged off Battle Group 48 for deployment under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

The flag-off ceremony was held on Friday, 30 October 2026, at the International Peace Support Operations Training Centre (IPSO-TC) in Singo, Nakaseke District, following the successful completion of pre-deployment training.

Battle Group 48, commanded by Col Michael Opio Ochuka, will replace Battle Group 45 as part of the routine rotation of Ugandan forces in Somalia. Uganda remains the largest troop contributor to the AU mission.

Deputy Commander of the Land Force, Maj Gen Felix Busizoori, urged the troops to uphold teamwork, discipline and commitment. “Go for the mission as a Battle Group. You have trained as a team. Fight and win as a team, conduct yourselves with discipline and uphold the values of the UPDF at all times,” he told the soldiers.

Col Ochuka thanked the UPDF leadership for entrusting him with the command of the battle group and pledged to execute the mission with professionalism.

The troops were reminded of the importance of personal discipline, ideological orientation and Pan-Africanism as they prepare to confront the threat posed by Al-Shabaab in the mission area.