The outgoing Acting Force Commander of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), who is also the outgoing Sector One Commander Brigadier General Keith Katungi, has been commended for his role in degrading Al-Shabaab and contributing to peace and stability in Somalia.
At a medal parade and farewell ceremony held at the Force Headquarters in Mogadishu, Thursday, the Special Representative of the African Union Commission Chairperson (SRCC) for Somalia and Head of ATMIS, Ambassador Mohamed El-Amine Souef lauded Brig.Gen Katungi for his role in securing Somalia’s parliamentary and presidential elections.
“The political process was very tough but you managed to secure Mogadishu city and ensure that the elections took place. Today, all of us and the international community are proud because elections took place on time,†said Amb.Souef. Brig.Gen.
Katungi, who has completed his tour of duty, thanked the federal government and the people of Somalia for their collaboration with ATMIS in addressing the security challenges facing the country.
“I am leaving the mission when there is goodwill to fight Al-Shabaab that cuts across right from the federal government, federal Member States and trickling down to everyone in Somalia.
So far we can see the fruits of 15 years of AMISOM and now ATMIS,†said Brig.Gen. Katungi.
In appreciation of his service to the mission, Amb.Souef presented Brig.Gen. Katungi with an African Union commemorative plaque, a medal, a certificate of recognition and other souvenirs. Also honoured was the outgoing Sector One Deputy Commander Col. David Opeero.
The Sector One area of responsibility which includes the capital Mogadishu is under the jurisdiction of the Ugandan troops serving under ATMIS.
Other troop contributing countries include Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia and Kenya.
