After a lengthy wait, Ugandan military officer Lt-Gen Sam Kavuma has finally assumed his role as the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (Atmis) Force Commander. The delay was attributed to a lengthy approval process by the African Union Peace and Security Council. Despite this delay, Lt-Gen Kavuma’s tenure is now limited to five months as Atmis’ mandate in Somalia expires at the end of the year.
During his arrival in Mogadishu, Lt-Gen Kavuma met with key officials and received briefings on the security situation and mission progress. With prior experience in Somalia, his focus remains on supporting the Federal Government of Somalia and international partners to combat al-Shabaab and ensure peace and development in the region.
Lt-Gen Kavuma’s extensive background in peacekeeping and various senior positions in the UPDF make him a valuable asset in his new role. His dedication to serving in challenging environments such as the Central African Republic demonstrates his commitment to regional stability and security.