Ugandan president confirms 8 soldiers killed in Somalia

By Halima Athumani

KAMPALA, Uganda

Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni said Tuesday that Sunday's attack by Al-Shabaab killed eight Ugandan soldiers in Somalia.

Al-Shabaab attacked three African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) bases in Lower Shabelle region killing dozens. The military coalition has been fighting Al-Shabaab in the region for more than a decade.

In a tweet the Ugandan president said: "Unfortunately, two vehicles of the enemy entered one of the three sites attacked. One vehicle was detonated and killed eight of our soldiers. May their souls rest in eternal peace."

He added: "Our soldiers in Somalia heroically gave serious blows to Al-Shabaab, killing 36 of them and destroying six vehicles full of explosives. This was because they were alert.

"With constant vigilance, victory is assured. I congratulate our soldiers for the good work they did yesterday.”