AMISOM holds cultural gala to promote peace

Traditional dancers perform during a cultural event organised by Ugandan contingent serving under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), in Mogadishu, Somalia. M ogadishu - On 31 August, AMISOM Sector success would not have been possible, but for those One, which is under the command of who have sacrificed. So, we are celebrating the lives Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) held and sacrifices of our heroes and heroines who have a gala marked by traditional dance performances gone through this mission.” and a cultural exhibition to display how peace and unity can prevail in culturally diverse communities. Addressing guests present, Uganda’s Ambassador to Somalia, Prof. Sam Turyamuhika highlighted the Held under the theme ‘UPDF: a united force in cultural commitment of his country to AMISOM in order to diversity,’ the gala aimed to celebrate Uganda’s ensure the success of the mission to bring peace and cultural diversity by bringing together soldiers security to Somalia. serving under AMISOM to showcase their cultures and the peaceful coexistence between the different “You will agree with me that we have been entertained communities. through a diversity of culture, mainly dances. So, these men and women you see here are not just The commander of the Ugandan AMISOM contingent, good fighters. They are also good dancers,” added Brig. Michael Kabango said, “In the African culture, Prof. Turyamuhika. Lt. Mary Sylvia Lamunu who was we get an excuse to celebrate, dance, sing, feast, among the performers at the cultural gala said, “We eat. And here in Somalia, we have a very big excuse. are diverse as Ugandans. We are of different tribes, For the first time in Africa’s history, we have seen but we are one as UPDF. We follow the goals of the a homegrown African mission make great strides mission, which leads us to success.” in securing the continent’s peace.” Away from the battlefield and with the military fatigues put away, the She added, “In our diversity, we are still standing soldiers of all ranks and file displayed the rich array as one in the name of peace”. Besides the music of dances from the various communities of Uganda. and dance performances, there was an exhibition of cuisines, regalia and artefacts of the various Brig. Michael Kabango added, “We are celebrating indigenous communities of Uganda. the success, so far, of this mission. Secondly, the

Brig. Gen. Michael Kabango, the Commander of the Ugandan AMISOM contingent speaks during a cultural event organised by the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), in Mogadishu, Somalia.

Guests tour stalls during a cultural event organised by Ugandan contingent serving under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), in Mogadishu, Somalia.