As Uganda’s contingent under the United Nations Guard Unit Eleven (UNGU-XI) enters the second half of its deployment in Somalia, commanders have sounded a strong warning against complacency, stressing the need for sustained vigilance against Al-Shabaab threats.
Speaking at the unit’s headquarters, Lt Col Peter Ruyogoza Barigye, the UNGU-XI Commander, reminded his troops that their successes so far could easily be undermined if discipline and alertness waver.
“We have made significant progress so far, but we cannot afford to relax,” he cautioned. “Our enemy of peace, Al-Shabaab, is constantly observing our activities and waiting for an opportunity to strike. We must remain alert and proactive to prevent any surprises.”
Lt Col Barigye placed particular emphasis on leadership responsibility, urging officers to set the pace for discipline and operational focus.
“As leaders, it is our duty to ensure soldiers understand the importance of their role in peacekeeping and the risks involved. We must lead by example and maintain the highest standards,” he said.
Reinforcing the message, Captain Joseph Maada, the unit’s Military Intelligence Officer, underscored the importance of intelligence gathering in countering extremist threats.
He noted that timely intelligence remains the backbone of anticipating enemy manoeuvres and neutralising them before they materialise.
The meeting, which brought together company commanders, departmental heads, and shift leaders, served as a mid-mission reset to sharpen focus, renew discipline, and strengthen operational readiness.
The caution reflects the delicate balance peacekeepers must maintain in Somalia, where Al-Shabaab remains determined to destabilise security gains despite recent setbacks.
