UPDF, Somalia troops capture second town from Al-Shabaab

The Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF) serving under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), alongside the Somalia National Army (SNA), have announced the capture of the strategic town of Darussalam in the Lower Shabelle region from Al-Shabaab terrorists.

This is the second town that the UPDF, under AUSSOM and in collaboration with Somali forces, has captured in two days. On Tuesday, AUSSOM announced that UPDF troops, together with the SNA, had successfully captured the strategic town of Mubarak from Al-Shabaab insurgents.

The joint operation, code-named "Rolling Thunder", was launched on 28 February 2026 under the command of Sector One Commander Brigadier General Jackson Kayanja.

According to ATIMIS UPDF Contingent public information officer, the operation is a follow-up to the liberation of Mubarak town, as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle the extremist group's strongholds in southern Somalia.

"The liberation of Darussalam demonstrates the strength of our forces and our commitment to restoring stability and peace in Somalia," Brigadier General Kayanja said, hailing the success as a testament to joint military operations.

Colonel Owiny Akena, Battle Group 44 Commander, noted that securing Darussalam will improve civilian safety, enable humanitarian aid delivery, and strengthen government presence.

"Securing Darussalam will improve safety for civilians, enable humanitarian aid delivery, and strengthen government presence in the area. The forces pledge support to maintain pressure on the insurgents to prevent any return," he said.

Local leaders and residents welcomed the intervention, hopeful that restored security would revive economic and social activities.

"We are relieved to see the terrorists gone. We hope for peace and stability now," said a local resident.

The joint forces pledge to maintain pressure on Al-Shabaab to prevent any return. AUSSOM was created by the African Union's Peace and Security Council on 19 January 2007, with an initial six-month mandate, and has been instrumental in efforts to stabilise Somalia.

The mission has been supported by various troop-contributing countries, including Uganda and Burundi, and has made significant progress in reducing Al-Shabaab's influence in the region.