President Yoweri Museveni has revealed that the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) lost 54 soldiers in an attack late last month by Al-Shabaab militants. The commander-in-chief was speaking at a retreat for NRM leaders underway in Kyankwanzi.

The 54 dead included the base commander, Lieutenant-Colonel Edward Nyororo.

President Museveni said that despite the deaths, the UPDF had succeeded in retaking the Buulo Mareer base from Al-Shabaab. He said that two UPDF officers had been arrested in connection with the attack.

Our soldiers showed remarkable resilience and reorganized themselves, resulting in the recapture of the base. We discovered the lifeless bodies of fifty-four fallen soldiers, including a commander”, he declared.

“These terrorists attempted another ill-fated attack on the town of Baraawe, but our forces dealt a heavy blow, forcing them to flee. The mistake was made by two commanders, Major Oluka and Major Obbo, who ordered the soldiers to retreat. They were apprehended and will face court-martial charge”.