Thursday 3, July ,2025 {HMC} 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.
Source Hiiraan online
