NRM boss Richard Todwong's brother killed in the deadly attack on a UPDF convoy in Somalia

A UPDF officer at the rank of Major has been killed after the vehicle he was travelling in was hit by an Improvised Explosive Device in Somalia.

Maj Patrick Opio Awany, was the commander of the convoy that was hit at around 1pm on Sunday between Buulo Nagad and Ceel in the Lower Shabelle region.

“Our super logistics convoy was hit by IED at Around 1300hrs between Buulo nagad and Ceel waligo and on sad note we lost the convoy commander Maj Patrick Opio Awany, who died on the spot and others injured,” Capt Ibrahim Ssekitto, the Ugandan Contingent public information officer, said in a brief statement.

He said the injured have since been airlifted to hospital in Mogadishu.

Maj Awany belonged to the Motorised Infantry Brigade of the UPDF.

He was brother of NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong, who took to X, formerly Twitter, to mourn his departed brother.

“I celebrate my brother, Maj Opio Patrick Awany. Your dedication to protecting our country was your code and you approached your duty with unmatched passion. You bravely faced countless battles in the Central African Republic, Eastern DRC Congo and Somalia,” Todwong posted.

“Your life was tragically cut short this morning 7/7/2024 as you served our continent Africa. May your legacy endure to inspire more heroes. We will forever hold you in our hearts, Patrick. You were a true patriot.”

The development points to the fragility of the situation in Somalia as the African Union Transition Mission continues with troop drawdown.

The UPDF earlier this month handed over yet another Forward Operating Base to the Somali army as part of the ongoing troop drawdown process.

However, despite the UN giving a go ahead to the troop drawdown that will see Somalia takes charge of its own security, many have opined that this has come early as the country’s army is not yet ready for this  huge task despite efforts for capacity building.