(06-09-23) MOGADISHU — A video released by pro-Al-Shabaab media channels on Tuesday features Sergeant M. William, a captured Ugandan soldier, making a heartfelt plea for his release and that of his fellow prisoners of war (POWs). These Ugandan soldiers were taken captive in May during a dramatic overrun of a forward military base in Buulo Mareer, in Somalia’s Middle Shabelle region.
The 48-year-old sergeant disclosed the grim conditions at the military base where he had been stationed. He also sent a poignant message to his family and the Ugandan government, urgently calling for swift action to secure their liberation.
During the video, William recounts the chilling events: “My name is M. William, I am 48 years old… Al-Shabaab stormed the Forward Military Base in the early morning. They seized everything—weapons, ammunition and even destroyed two of our tanks. Most UPDF soldiers were killed, while others like me were captured.”
William, who has been with the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) since 1997, was deployed to Buulo Mareer in April under Lt Colonel Edward Nyororo, who tragically lost his life in the attack.
The sergeant concluded his statement with an impassioned plea: “I beseech the government of Uganda, our head of state, and our parliament— we are alive but in captivity. You are our last hope for reuniting with our families. Please find a possible means to rescue us.”
The Ugandan government has yet to issue an official response to the video. Uganda is the largest military-contributing country to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). The anticipated transfer of security responsibilities to the Somali Army in December 2024 adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing struggle for stability in Somalia.
Halqabsi News
