Sam Kavuma assumes ATMIS command

This appointment follows his selection by President Yoweri Museveni, who also serves as the commander-in-chief of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), in March 2024.

He succeeds Lieutenant General Sam Okiding, who is now the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces of the UPDF.

Upon his arrival in Mogadishu on Sunday, 28 July, Lt. Gen. Kavuma was honoured with a guard of honour by UPDF troops at the ATMIS headquarters.

He then received a briefing from key staff officers, led by Major General Peter Muteti, the Deputy Force Commander in Charge of Support and Logistics.

African Union Transition Mission in Somalia Pulse Live Uganda

Lt Gen Kavuma’s appointment comes at a critical time, as ATMIS is preparing for a phased drawdown and transition into a new mission aimed at stabilising Somalia.

He stated, “I am here to join the team as we implement the transition into a new mission come December 2024. As the team captain, I will head the military components in ATMIS.”

Lt. Gen. Sam Kavuma expressed his gratitude for the efforts of all Troop-Contributing Countries to the mission since its inception in 2007, which has resulted in the liberation of numerous towns in Somalia.

He acknowledged the significant achievements made by various actors, including the Federal Government of Somalia, and emphasised the importance of continued collaboration to degrade Al-Shabaab, achieve peace, and enable Somalis to engage in productive development.

Gen. Sam Kavuma expressed his gratitude for the efforts of all Troop-Contributing Countries to the mission since its inception in 2007 Pulse Live Uganda

Lt. Gen. Sam Kavuma previously served as Sector One Commander from 2014 to 2015, overseeing the liberation of several towns in the Lower Shabelle region.

He later held positions as Deputy Commander of the UPDF Air Force and Deputy Chief Coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation in Uganda.

Read: African Union delegation reviews peace mission in Somalia

Present at the occasion were Major General Kindu Gezu, ATMIS Military Chief of Staff; ATMIS Sector One Commander, Brigadier General Anthony Lukwago Mbuusi, and senior and staff officers.

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