Uganda deploys new Police contingent to Somalia

As Somalia prepares for a speculative election, Uganda Police Force has deployed a new contingent of Formed Police Unit personnel to serve under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

The contingent arrived in Mogadishu on Tuesday to begin their one-year tour of duty.
During their tour of duty, they will support the advancement of the AMISOM Police mandate, enhancing rule of law and stabilization efforts in Somalia.

Uganda, including Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Ghana and Zambia has been contributing personnel to AMISOM.
The deputy contingent commander, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Daniel Okello, said they are ready to contribute towards ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability in Somalia.

The contingent will join their colleagues from other police contributing countries to support the Somali Police Force (SPF) to secure the ongoing elections. Their duties are to guard key government installations, conducting patrols, ensuring public order, guarding VIPs and high-level events.

The AMISOM Police component is made up of the FPUs and Individual Police Officers (IPOs). FPUs provide operational support, while the IPOs train, mentor and advise the SPF officers.