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Ugandan army helicopter crashes in Mogadishu, leaving three peacekeepers dead and five others unaccounted for after a fiery crash at Aden Adde International Airport on Wednesday morning. The aircraft, deployed under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), was attempting to land when it plummeted to the ground and burst into flames, sending thick smoke billowing over the capital.
The helicopter, which had taken off from Baledogle Airfield in the Lower Shabelle region, was carrying eight personnel when it crashed during its final approach to the airport. Witnesses described a loud explosion followed by a massive fireball that engulfed the aircraft. “We heard the blast and saw smoke and flames over a helicopter,” said Farah Abdulle, an airport worker. “The smoke entirely covered the helicopter”.
Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) spokesperson Felix Kulayigye confirmed that three of the eight occupants had survived the crash, while the fate of the remaining five remains uncertain. Emergency crews rushed to the scene to extinguish the blaze and begin search and rescue operations.
The crash has raised immediate concerns about the safety protocols and mechanical integrity of aircraft used in peacekeeping missions. The helicopter was part of AUSSOM’s logistical and operational support fleet, which plays a critical role in transporting troops and supplies across Somalia’s conflict zones.
AUSSOM, which includes over 11,000 personnel from countries such as Uganda and Kenya, is tasked with supporting the Somali government in its fight against the al-Qaeda-linked militant group Al-Shabaab. The mission has faced increasing risks in recent months as militants intensify attacks on military convoys, bases, and civilian infrastructure.
The cause of the crash has not yet been determined. Aviation officials and investigators from the African Union and UPDF are expected to launch a full inquiry into the incident. Preliminary reports suggest the helicopter may have experienced mechanical failure during descent, but weather conditions and human error have not been ruled out.
Artan Mohamed, head of immigration at the airport, confirmed that the helicopter was engulfed in flames upon impact. “It was a terrifying scene. The explosion shook nearby buildings, and the fire was intense,” he said.
Despite the chaos, airport operations resumed later in the day. Ahmed Macalin Hassan, Director-General of Somalia’s Civil Aviation Authority, assured the public that the runway was cleared and fully operational. “The situation is under control. Flights can land and take off as usual,” he said.
The crash comes at a time when Somalia is ramping up military operations against Al-Shabaab, with support from international partners. Just days earlier, Somali forces killed a senior Al-Shabaab commander in Middle Shabelle, underscoring the high-stakes environment in which AUSSOM operates.
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has yet to issue a formal statement, but government officials have expressed condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and pledged full cooperation with the investigation.
The incident is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by peacekeepers operating in volatile regions. As Somalia continues its push for stability ahead of the 2026 elections, the role of international forces remains vital—but not without risk.