In a devastating incident in Somalia, Major Patrick Opio Awany, commander of a UPDF convoy, lost his life when an Improvised Explosive Device struck the vehicle he was leading. The attack occurred between Buulo Nagad and Ceel in the Lower Shabelle region around 1pm on Sunday.
According to Capt Ibrahim Ssekitto, the Ugandan Contingent’s public information officer, the convoy, described as a crucial logistics unit, was targeted by the IED, resulting in Maj Awany’s immediate death. Several others sustained injuries and were swiftly evacuated to a hospital in Mogadishu for treatment.
Maj Awany, a member of the Motorised Infantry Brigade of the UPDF, was not just a seasoned officer but also the brother of Richard Todwong, Secretary General of the NRM. In a heartfelt tribute on social media, Todwong expressed profound sorrow over his brother’s untimely demise. “I celebrate my brother, Maj Opio Patrick Awany. Your dedication to protecting our country was your code and you approached your duty with unmatched passion,” Todwong wrote, highlighting Maj Awany’s service in various conflict zones across Africa.
The tragic event underscores the precarious security situation in Somalia, amid ongoing efforts by the African Union to transition security responsibilities to Somali forces. Recently, the UPDF handed over another Forward Operating Base to the Somali army as part of the troop drawdown process, authorized by the UN despite concerns over the readiness of Somalia’s military to assume full control.
The loss of Maj Awany serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by African forces in stabilizing conflict regions, and the challenges that persist despite efforts towards peace and security