On Sunday, State House revealed that the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmaajo, had telephoned President Yoweri Museveni in the afternoon to express his condolence over the death of Maj. Gen. Paul Lokech.
President Addullahi Mohamed described Maj. Gen. Lokech as a true son of Africa and a patriot, who worked hard towards peace and security on the continent, particularly in Somalia.
In 2011, while on tour of duty in Somalia, Maj. Gen. Lokech launched a major offensive that flushed out the al-Shabaab militants from Mogadishu, where he was serving in the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).
He also served as contingent commander and is described as the Lion of Somalia in military circles. “On my behalf and on behalf of the people of Somalia, we condole with your excellency and the people of Uganda over the loss of Maj. Gen. Lokech,” President Addullahi was quoted.
AMISOM mourns Lokech
In a message released over the weekend, the AMISOM said it is “deeply saddened by the news of the passing of former Sector One Commander Maj. Gen. Paul Lokech.”
“During his distinguished tours of duty, we all remember him as a man of character, great courage, integrity and honour. He was a brave and strategic fighter, who was instrumental in commanding the counter-insurgency operations that drove al-Shabaab out of Mogadishu in October 2011,” AMISOM said.
It added: “As a towering icon in the fight against armed militants, he leaves an enduring legacy that will never be forgotten. We hold his family, the Uganda People’s Defence Force and the people of Uganda in our prayers as we remember his incredible and valiant contributions to peace and security in Somalia.”
“AMISOM will fondly remember Maj. Gen. Lokech as an astute commander, who selflessly supported the implementation of the mission’s mandate to degrade terrorists in Somalia,” the statement read.
