NR No: 009/2025 Date: 20/March/2025
SHOTLIST: AUSSOM honours Uganda Police officers for brave contributions
to Somalia’s peace
SOURCE: AUSSOM PUBLIC INFORMATION
RESTRICTIONS: This media asset is free for editorial broadcast, print, online and
radio use. It is not to be sold on and is restricted for other purposes. All enquiries to
[email protected]
CREDIT REQUIRED: AUSSOM PUBLIC INFORMATION
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH/NATURAL SOUND
DATELINE: 20/MARCH/2025, MOGADISHU, SOMALIA
SHOT LIST:
1. Various shots – The Acting Head of AUSSOM, Sivuyile Bam inspects the guard of
honour.
2. Wide shot – Invited guests at the medal award ceremony.
3. Med shot – Acting Head of AUSSOM Sivuyile Bam, AUSSOM Police Commissioner,
AIGP Hillary Sao Kanu, AUSSOM Police Training Coordinator, Assistant
Commissioner of Police, Samuel Asiedu Okanta and other invited guests at the
medal award ceremony.
4. Various shots – Acting Head of AUSSOM Sivuyile Bam, AUSSOM Police
Commissioner AIGP Kanu, AUSSOM Police Training Coordinator ACP Okanta and
other invited guests during the medal award ceremony.
5. SOUNDBITE: (English) Sivuyile Bam, Acting Head of AUSSOM
“This medal parade is not just a ceremony; it is a testament to your resilience,
dedication, and sacrifices in the fight against Al-Shabaab and in the broader peace-
building mission under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in
Somalia (AUSSOM). Notwithstanding the tough conditions of service, and the high
risks, you have shown unwavering determination and stood firm in the face of
adversity. Your bravery and professionalism have not only helped to restore law and
order but have also strengthened the trust and confidence of the Somali people in
For more information please contact:
Snr. Communications Officer or Force Spokesperson
Ms. Gifty Bingley or Lt. Col Said Mwachinalo, Email:
[email protected] Cell phone: (Somalia) +252 617 682 175/+252 613 665 356; (Nairobi) +254 722 586 005
Follow Us: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
the peace process. Uganda has been at the forefront of peace building efforts in
Somalia, and the dedication of its men and women in uniform has been instrumental
in the progress we see today.”
6. Various shots – AUSSOM Police dancers entertain guests.
7. Various shots – Invited guests during the medal award ceremony.
8. SOUNDBITE: (English) AIGP Hillary Sao Kanu, AUSSOM Police Commissioner
“The journey of UFPU-12 in Somalia has been of resilience, discipline, and
dedication to duty. Over the past years, you have faced significant operational
challenges, yet you have demonstrated exceptional courage and determination in
carrying out your tasks. Whether through high -risk patrols, the protection of key
installations, community policing initiatives, or capacity-building of Somali Police
Force (SPF), your contribution has been invaluable. The successful execution of joint
operations with the Somali Police Force, your assistance in supporting the electoral
processes, and your commitment to upholding human rights have significantly
contributed to AUSSOM’s success.”
9. Various shots – AUSSOM Police dancers entertain guests.
10. Various shots – Invited guests during the medal award ceremony.
11. SOUNDBITE: (English) SSP Justus Asiimwe, Uganda Police Contingent
Commander
“From our view, we shall always cherish the experiences and relationships that we
have developed and cultivated. No two groups understand each other better than us
and Nigeria.”
12. Various shots – AUSSOM Police officers showcase their skills during the medal
award ceremony.
13. Various shots - Invited guests during the medal award ceremony.
14. Various shots – Acting Head of AUSSOM Sivuyile Bam and AUSSOM Police
Commissioner. AIGP Kanu presents medals to the police officers.
15. Wide shot – Acting Head of AUSSOM Sivuyile Bam, AUSSOM Police
Commissioner. AIGP Kanu and other senior AUSSOM officials cut a cake at the end
of the medal award ceremony.
AUSSOM honours Uganda Police officers for brave contributions to Somalia’s
peace
For more information please contact:
Snr. Communications Officer or Force Spokesperson
Ms. Gifty Bingley or Lt. Col Said Mwachinalo, Email:
[email protected] Cell phone: (Somalia) +252 617 682 175/+252 613 665 356; (Nairobi) +254 722 586 005
Follow Us: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
Mogadishu, 20 March 2025 – The African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission
in Somalia (AUSSOM) has honoured 160 Ugandan police officers for their
outstanding contribution to Somalia’s peace and security.
The officers, from the 12th contingent of the Uganda Formed Police Unit (UFPU-12),
received African Union medals of honour at a colourful ceremony presided over by
the acting Head of AUSSOM, Sivuyile Bam.
AUSSOM Police Commissioner, Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) Hillary
Sao Kanu, and other senior officials attended the event at the AUSSOM Force
Headquarters in Mogadishu.
“This medal parade is a testament to your resilience, dedication, and sacrifices in the
fight against Al-Shabaab and the broader peace-building mission under the African
Union mission,” said Mr. Bam in his address to the officers who have completed their
tour of duty.
“Despite the tough conditions and high risks, you have shown unwavering
determination and stood firm in the face of adversity. Your bravery and
professionalism have not only helped to restore law and order but have also
strengthened the trust and confidence of the Somali people,” added Mr. Bam,
praising the Government of Uganda for commitment to regional peace and stability.
The UFPU-12 contingent, deployed to Somalia in April 2024 under the African Union
Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), has significantly contributed to the African
Union mission’s success through operational support to the Somali Police Force.
“The journey of UFPU-12 in Somalia has been of resilience, discipline, and
dedication to duty. Over the past years, you have faced significant operational
challenges, yet you have demonstrated exceptional courage and determination in
carrying out your tasks. Whether through high-risk patrols, the protection of key
installations, community policing initiatives, or capacity-building of Somali Police
Force (SPF), your contribution has been invaluable,” said AIGP Kanu, who
commended the officers for their dedication, professionalism and sacrifice.
For more information please contact:
Snr. Communications Officer or Force Spokesperson
Ms. Gifty Bingley or Lt. Col Said Mwachinalo, Email:
[email protected]Cell phone: (Somalia) +252 617 682 175/+252 613 665 356; (Nairobi) +254 722 586 005
Follow Us: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
“The successful execution of joint operations with the Somali Police Force, your
assistance in supporting the electoral processes, and your commitment to upholding
human rights have significantly contributed to AUSSOM’s success.”
UFPU-12 Contingent Commander, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Justus
Asiimwe, praised the officers for closely collaborating with the Nigerian Formed
Police Unit and Ugandan troops at their shared camp in Mogadishu.
“We will always cherish the experiences and relationships that we have developed
and cultivated. No two groups understand each other better than us and Nigeria,”
said SSP Asiimwe.
Other senior officials in attendance included AUSSOM Police Training Coordinator,
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Samuel Asiedu Okanta, acting AUSSOM
Police Operations and FPU Coordinator, ACP Richard Evans Onyait, AUSSOM
Police Reforms and Restructuring Department (RR&D) Coordinator, ACP John
Simon and Deputy Commander of the Ugandan troops in Somalia, Col. Christoper
Tumwine Columbus.
AUSSOM Formed Police Units (FPUs) provide operational support to SPF, including
VIP escort and protection, security at high-level events, mentorship and training, and
securing key government installations.
Other countries contributing Formed Police Units to AUSSOM, alongside Uganda,
include Ghana, Nigeria and Sierra Leone.
Ends.
For more information please contact:
Snr. Communications Officer or Force Spokesperson
Ms. Gifty Bingley or Lt. Col Said Mwachinalo, Email:
[email protected]Cell phone: (Somalia) +252 617 682 175/+252 613 665 356; (Nairobi) +254 722 586 005
Follow Us: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
