Kampala (Alshahid)-Uganda has for the first time deployed its air force contingent and helicopters to support the ongoing African Union (AU) peace efforts in volatile Somalia.

“It is a great boost to the AMISOM Force which has been operating without an air force,” Uganda army commander, Lt General Aronda Nyakairima said.

He requested the air force officers to maintain high levels of discipline while in Somalia.

A contingent of 28 senior air force officers has been sent to Somali capital Mogadishu, where the air force will be based.

The Ugandan air force is to provide air cover in the areas of Somalia which are occupied by the contingents from Burundi, Djibouti and Uganda, according to Gen. Aronda.

Gen. Aronda said that the Uganda air force has formally joined AMISOM after the deployment was authorised by President Yoweri  Museveni and endorsed by the African Union and the UN.

Addressing the air force personnel, Gen. Aronda said,

“We have won battles in Somalia but we are yet to win the war. I have no doubt that you have been prepared and you are ready to go and support AMISOM. Go and support the ground forces which have done credible work.”

Uganda currently has over 8,000 soldiers under AMISOM to help stabilize and pacify the troubled Horn of African country.