The Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs and State Minister for Defence, Hon Col (Rtd) Charles Okello Engola, have interacted with the UPDF at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Arbiska, which is located 25Kms Northeast of Mogadishu city.
The delegation was shown a demonstration on how the troops counter- Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), with Sector One Commander Brig Gen Michael Kabango informing the committee that Alshabaab uses IEDs as their weapon of choice.
“Since 2011 when Alshabaab lost most of it’s fighters due to fighting UPDF face to face, they resorted to IEDs because of cheap materials and only a triggerman is required to blow the bomb.” Said Gen Kabango.
Hon Engola informed troops that the committee was in Somalia to have an on spot assessment as part of their oversight role.While in Arbiska, the delegation also met with the local leaders who gave testimonies on peace brought about by AMISOM since the capture of Afogoye.
The visiting delegation later toured Mogadishu level 2 hospital where UPDF medical team led by Capt Dr Hawa Katusiime briefed on the range of medical services it offers to the troops and the community in Mogadishu.
The Parliamentary team is led by Hon Doreen Amule the Chairperson of the Defence and Internal Affairs Committe.
