Lieutenant Colonel Peter Ruyogoza Barigye, Commander of Uganda’s United Nations Guard Unit Eleven (UNGU-XI) in Somalia, has called on his officers and department heads to lead with discipline, respect, and constant vigilance under the ongoing United Nations mandate.
Speaking during a commander’s update briefing at the UNGU-XI headquarters in Mogadishu, Lt Col Barigye emphasized the critical importance of ethical and empathetic leadership in ensuring mission success.
“We cannot fulfill this mission alone as commanders without our troops. We need them, and they need us,” he said. “We must respect them, value their feelings, and recognize the dignity of every soldier, regardless of their background.”
He encouraged all leaders to foster engagement that is both respectful and purposeful, highlighting that leadership grounded in discipline and a positive work culture is essential to boosting operational efficiency and morale.
Lt Col Barigye also warned against complacency in the face of the ongoing threat from Al-Shabaab. While noting a current lull in enemy activity around Mogadishu, he stressed that the danger remains. “We must remain vigilant and adaptable. The calm should not mislead us into complacency,” he cautioned.
He commended the officers for maintaining administrative cohesion and aligning the unit with the mission’s strategic goals. He also urged continued discipline and readiness to counter any emerging threats.
The briefing was attended by officers and department heads serving under UNGU-XI in Somalia.
