Richard Todwong, the Secretary General of Uganda's ruling party, the National Resistance Movement, has confirmed that his brother, Major Opiyo Patrick, was killed on Sunday, July 7, 2024 in Somalia, between Buulo Nagad and Ceel Wareego Lower Shabelle region.

 Photo late Major Opio(RIP)

In a statement released on Monday, ATMIS said, "a joint ATMIS-UPDF and SNAF, logistics convoy was hit by a command wire, Improvised Explosive Device (IED) on Sunday along the Mogadishu-Buffow-Barawe route."

"The attack claimed two lives and injured personnel from both ATMIS and SNAF. All casualties have been evacuated to medical facilities."

ATMIS offered a heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for a quick recovery to the injured.

"The incident strengthens our resolve to support peace and security efforts in Somalia," ATMIS stated.

The deceased include Maj Opio Awany, ;brother of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) Secretary General, Richard Todwong.

Captain Ibrahim Ssekito, the UPDF Battle Group Information Officer, confirmed Maj. Patrick Opio Awany's death and said three UPDF soldiers were injured in the attack which occurred at 1:00pm on Sunday, July 7, 2024 between Buulo Nagad and Ceel Wareego, Lower Shabelle in Somalia.

“He was a convoy commander. Al-Shabaab laid an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) against his convoy which hit his vehicle and killed him,” Capt. Ssekito said.”

He said the ill-fated convoy was carrying logistics and that Maj. Awany who was part of the Motorised Infantry Brigade of the UPDF, died on the spot.

On Monday, Todwong who is currently attending a public Service Leaders' introspection retreat for Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, and NRM top leadership, at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi, took to X-platform to mourn his 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 Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Somalia,” Todwong said.

He revealed his brother’s life, “was tragically cut short on Sunday morning 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.”

This attack comes in the wake of a directive by the ATMIS that the troop contributing countries engage in a drawdown that will see the numbers of soldiers deployed to back up Somali National Force reduced and some operations handed back to Federal Government of Somalia Forces.

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