Thursday July 3, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali government has extended its
heartfelt condolences to the Government and People of Uganda after a Ugandan
military helicopter crashed in Mogadishu on Wednesday, killing five personnel.
According to Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF)
spokesperson Brig. Gen. Felix Kulayigye, three of the eight occupants survived
the crash but sustained severe injuries and burns. The ill-fated helicopter was
operating under the African Union Stabilization and Support Mission in Somalia
(AUSSOM).
In a statement, Somalia’s Ministry of Information said, “We
honour the bravery and sacrifice of the fallen personnel serving under AUSSOM
and stand in solidarity with Uganda during this difficult time. Their courage
and commitment stand as a testament to Uganda’s enduring role in supporting
Somalia’s journey toward peace, progress, and prosperity.”
The crash occurred as the helicopter was attempting to land
at Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport. AUSSOM confirmed the aircraft
went down just before touching down.
The impact reportedly triggered the detonation of munitions
onboard, damaging nearby structures and injuring three civilians, according to
UPDF sources.
Uganda is one of the key troop-contributing countries to
AUSSOM, which currently deploys over 11,000 personnel across Somalia. The
mission is aimed at supporting the Somali National Army in its fight against
Al-Shabaab, the al-Qaeda-linked militant group that has waged a deadly
insurgency for nearly two decades, seeking to impose its strict interpretation
of Sharia law and overthrow Somalia’s internationally recognized government.