Kaija Harold, the Deputy Secretary General of the FDC Party, extended the FDC’s deepest condolences to the families and relatives of more than 137 soldiers who lost their lives in Somalia as a result of the Al-Shabab attack on the UPDF camp.
“We mourn the tragic loss of these courageous, brave men and honor their commitment to serving their country and promoting peace abroad, “said Kaija.
FDC recognizes the importance of the UPDF in Somalia to aid in the restoration of peace and stability in the region but shares concerns regarding its clear exit plan.
“It is crucial that Somalia is empowered to govern its own affairs and that the peacekeeping force is not perceived as an occupying force in the area,” said FDC Kaija.
Kaija further stated that the process of selecting individuals for deployment to Somalia within the UPDF has been tainted by corruption. Some members of the UPDF pay bribes to secure deployment in Somalia solely for financial gain, without considering their qualifications for the task at hand. It is disheartening that the commander in chief, Mr. Museveni, is aware of this and yet has remained silent.
In addition, recognizing that the unifying factor among the people of Somalia is Islam, an Islamic force would be better positioned to establish a stronger connection and rapport with the local population.
“This could foster greater trust and facilitate the process of uniting the Somali people towards a sustainable solution, as we strongly believe that a lasting solution can be achieved if the people of Somalia are involved themselves,” stated Kaija.
The tragic deaths of these young men are a significant tragedy for the nation. We mourn their sacrifice deeply and reiterate our commitment to honoring their memory. Their bravery and dedication will forever be remembered as they made the ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of peace, concluded Kaija.
