UN Donates Armored Vehicles to Ugandan Forces in Somalia to Boost Crisis Response

The United Nations has donated two armored infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) to Ugandan troops serving in Somalia, significantly enhancing their ability to respond to emergencies and protect UN personnel.
The vehicles were officially handed over on May 22, 2025, to the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), currently deployed under the United Nations Guard Unit XI (UNGU XI). This unit is responsible for safeguarding UN staff and facilities in Mogadishu, the Somali capital, and its surrounding areas.
Presiding over the handover ceremony in Mogadishu, Manon Richard, chief transport officer of the UN Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), praised the professionalism and discipline of the Ugandan contingent.
“We value the unit’s outstanding training and cooperation,” she said. “These vehicles will enhance mobility and operational readiness, particularly for the Emergency Response Team in times of crisis.”
Designed for rapid deployment in high-risk environments, the IFVs are expected to bolster the UPDF’s capacity to respond swiftly to both security threats and humanitarian emergencies.
Lt. Col. Peter Ruyogoza Barigye, commander of UNGU XI, described the donation as a critical upgrade to the unit’s capabilities.
“This generous support from the UN significantly improves our operational effectiveness,” he said. “These vehicles will help protect both our troops and the wider UN community.”
Capt. Eric Mugabe Mugwani, who leads the Emergency Response Team, emphasized the strategic value of the new vehicles.
“These IFVs will greatly enhance our crisis response efforts,” he said. “We are sincerely grateful for the continued support.”
The event was attended by senior UPDF commanders and members of the UNGU XI team, highlighting the growing operational focus on mobility and protection amid Somalia’s complex security environment.
Uganda has contributed troops to the UN Guard Unit in Somalia since 2014, following a UN request for strengthened security operations. UNGU XI represents the eleventh rotation of Ugandan forces under this mandate.