CDF Katumba Wamala rallies global support for AMISOM

Uganda's Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala has called for international support to the African Mission in Somalia-AMISOM to further consolidate its achievements in the horn of Africa nation.

The army chief noted that the peace dividends currently being enjoyed in Somalia were a result of improved security in the country.

"Many lives have been lost on this land, but this should not go in vain. It is our way of helping our African brothers regain their country," Gen Wamala said while addressing a contingent of the African Union troops in Mogadishu on Tuesday.

Katumba Wamala who is on a three day working visit to Somalia also saluted the troops for their contribution to Somalia's electoral process.

"Our highest appreciation of what you have been able to do especially in managing the electoral process. I think this is a milestone. It's something which has got to go down in records that this was achieved," Gen. Katumba told troops.

He also paid a courtesy visit to Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and held talks with his counterpart Chief of the Somali National Army (SNA), Maj. Gen. Mohamed Adan Ahmed. The meeting took place at the presidential palace in Mogadishu.

President Hassan Sheikh described the country's ongoing electoral process as a major milestone for Somalia, adding that the country last witnessed elections in 1969.

"It is a journey that is going on. In 2020, the plan is to have one-person one-vote election and the elections will happen in constituencies and in districts far way," President Mohamud stated.