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Ugandan troops serving under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) have killed a senior Al-Shabaab commander in the Lower Shabelle region, marking another major blow to the militant group’s leadership.
The commander, identified as Osman Hussein Bune Amiir, was widely known as the general commander of Al-Shabaab fighters operating in Lower Shabelle. He was killed in a targeted ambush by Ugandan forces near the town of Buulomareer on Sunday, September 14. According to a statement by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Directorate of Communications, the operation was planned to disrupt militant activities in one of the most volatile areas of southern Somalia.
Amiir’s death is considered a significant achievement, given his prominent role in coordinating Al-Shabaab operations and his influence in the region. Military officials described him as one of the group’s most senior figures, directly responsible for overseeing attacks and recruitment efforts in Lower Shabelle. His removal is expected to weaken the group’s command structure, at least in the short term, while also giving breathing space to security forces and local communities struggling with militant threats.
The operation that led to Amiir’s death also resulted in the recovery of weapons and equipment used by the militants. Troops seized a pistol with three loaded magazines, a pouch, binoculars, and two mobile phones, items believed to have been used for coordination and communication. Security analysts say the materials could provide important intelligence on Al-Shabaab networks and upcoming plans.
Speaking after the operation, Sector One Commander Brigadier General Joseph Musoke Ssemwanga praised his troops for their courage and discipline. He said the ambush was part of a larger effort to maintain pressure on Al-Shabaab and deny them the freedom to operate in Lower Shabelle. Brig. Gen. Ssemwanga also toured Forward Operating Bases in Qoryoley and Goloweyn, where he assessed the readiness of Ugandan forces and listened to concerns related to troop welfare. He was joined by senior officers, including Lt. Col. Justus Magyembe, who oversees logistics and engineering for the Ugandan contingent, along with other commanders responsible for explosive disposal operations and women’s affairs within the mission.
For years, Lower Shabelle has been one of Al-Shabaab’s main strongholds, providing the group with both a safe haven and access routes to launch attacks on Mogadishu and other strategic areas. The Ugandan contingent of AUSSOM, deployed mainly in southern Somalia, has been heavily engaged in offensive operations to push the militants out of these bases and secure towns for the Somali government and its people.
The recent operation reflects a renewed strategy of collaboration between AUSSOM forces and the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF). Just last month, Ugandan troops working jointly with Somali soldiers killed more than 50 Al-Shabaab fighters, including several of the group’s commanders, during a major raid in Bariire, another area within Lower Shabelle. Military officials described that offensive as one of the most successful in recent years, as it disrupted militant planning and supply routes.
While these victories have dealt Al-Shabaab a series of setbacks, security experts warn that the group remains dangerous, with the ability to regroup and carry out deadly attacks. They note that leadership losses often create temporary instability but rarely end the threat entirely. Nonetheless, the recent killing of Amiir is seen as a morale boost for Ugandan troops and their Somali counterparts, who continue to face tough conditions on the frontlines.
Uganda has been one of the largest troop-contributing countries to African Union missions in Somalia for over a decade. Its forces have played a critical role in major offensives, protecting key towns, and supporting efforts to build a stable Somali security apparatus. Officials say the continued sacrifices made by Ugandan troops show their commitment to regional peace and stability.
As Somalia prepares for broader security transitions and greater reliance on its own forces, the pressure on groups like Al-Shabaab remains essential. The killing of Osman Hussein Bune Amiir underscores both the risks and the resilience of the soldiers on the ground, who remain determined to dismantle the militant group’s hold over parts of southern Somalia.