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The outgoing Force Commander of the African Union Transition Mission (ATMIS) in Somalia, Lieutenant General Sam Okiding, bid farewell to his role yesterday as he prepared to return to Uganda to take up the position of Deputy Chief of Defence Forces. Lt Gen Okiding ceremoniously handed over office duties to Major General Marius Ngendabanka, the acting Force Commander, in a formal event held in Mogadishu, Somalia.
Ambassador Sivuyile Bam, the Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (DSRCC) and Head of ATMIS, presided over the handover ceremony. In his address, Ambassador Sivuyile Bam emphasized the critical importance of cooperation and coordination among commanders at all levels to achieve peace in Somalia. He rallied the commanders to work together towards the common goal of fostering stability and development in the region.
Expressing gratitude for Lt Gen Okiding’s service, Mr. Sivuyile extended best wishes for his future endeavors in Uganda. Lt Gen Okiding, in his remarks, shared insights from Proverbs, highlighting the significance of mindfulness and faith in guiding his actions and decisions throughout his tenure.
The incoming acting ATMIS Force Commander, Maj Gen Marius Ngendabanka, pledged to collaborate closely with fellow commanders to advance the mission’s objectives in Somalia. He reiterated his commitment to upholding the ATMIS mandate and the African Union Motto in the pursuit of peace and security.
It’s worth noting that Lt Gen Okiding’s return to Uganda follows his appointment by President Yoweri Museveni as the UPDF Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, with Lt Gen Sam Kavuma succeeding him as the ATMIS Force Commander.
The handover ceremony was attended by various dignitaries, including Maj Gen Peter Kimani Muteseti, the Deputy Force Commander overseeing support and logistics, Brig Gen Anthony Lukwago Mbuusi, Sector One commander, Col Ahmed Bedid Bileh, Military Deputy Chief of Staff, Head of Mission Support General Fitser, Col Bassie Abdul Sesay, Chief Military Personnel Administrative officer (CPAO), and other distinguished guests.
Source: The Ankole Times