2 UPDF Somalia commanders to be court martialed over Al Shaabab attack

The Al-Shabaab assaulted and took control of the UPDF-manned Buulo Mareer Forward Operating Base on May 26th, 2023, employing around 800 men.

President Museveni made the announcement on Sunday, June 4 2023 at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi, the site of the ongoing 10-day NRM Parliamentary Caucus retreat.

"Our soldiers demonstrated remarkable resilience and reorganised themselves, resulting in the recapture of the base by Tuesday," he said.

The President further disclosed that the UPDF uncovered the dead remains of fifty-four (54) fallen soldiers, including one Commander Nyororo, during the operation.

"Despite being regrettable, this experience teaches everyone a valuable lesson. Maj. Oluka and Maj. Obbo, two commanders, made the error of ordering the soldiers to retire. They have been detained and will be charged at the Court Martial,” Museveni said.

The President further emphasised that the terrorists tried to attack Baraawe Town but were repulsed by the UPDF, forcing them to retreat.

In addition, President Museveni emphasised that corruption was a significant factor in the issue, citing the appointment of a soldier to a command position who was in charge of running an army store.

"This is a clear illustration of the corruption we need to combat. You, the younger generation, have a priceless chance to benefit from the National Resistance Army's (NRA) finest practises. We are available to help you. There were numerous fatalities, and we have records of our past. If you're curious, you can learn why Uganda developed the way it did,” President Museveni recommended.