Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces in Somalia serving under African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS)
The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has equipped newly deployed military officers with essential skills in civil-military cooperation (CIMIC), aimed at strengthening relations between civilians and the military in Somalia. The four-day intensive training, which concluded on Thursday, was organized by the UK Mission Support Team (UKMST) and ATMIS’ CIMIC Cell.
The training focused on CIMIC activities, project initiation, report writing, and community engagements, providing the officers with a clear understanding of their roles in promoting civil-military cooperation. The participants were drawn from various sectors of ATMIS and were expected to apply their newfound knowledge in their daily operations.
During the closing ceremony, ATMIS Deputy Force Commander in charge of Operations and Plans, Maj. Gen. Marius Ngendabanka, expressed confidence that the training significantly improved the participants’ understanding of key CIMIC concepts. He urged the officers to make maximum use of the knowledge acquired during the training, emphasizing its importance in their day-to-day civil-military operations.
ATMIS Chief CIMIC Officer, Col. Lutangu Sitali, emphasized the training’s pivotal role in preparing officers for successful CIMIC operations in support of the upcoming AU Mission. He noted that the course was designed to give the newly deployed sector CIMIC staff the knowledge, understanding, and ability to conduct frontline CIMIC operations within their area of responsibility.
Col. Shove Gilby, the Commander of UK Forces in Somalia, stressed the need to utilize CIMIC activities to strengthen relations between civilians and the military, crucial in countering Al-Shabaab’s influence in local communities. He emphasized that CIMIC operations are vital in securing the population and defeating Al-Shabaab.
The trained officers thanked ATMIS for the training and requested additional in-mission training sessions within ATMIS’ sectors to further enhance their skills and capabilities. Capt. Fortunate Ogen from the ATMIS Level II hospital noted that the knowledge acquired during the course would be useful throughout their operations in Somalia and beyond.
The training is a significant step towards enhancing civil-military relations in Somalia, a crucial aspect of ATMIS’ mission to support the Somali government in restoring peace and stability. By equipping military officers with essential skills in CIMIC, ATMIS aims to promote a collaborative approach to security and development in Somalia.
