Mogadishu, Somalia – The international community, including the United States and the United Kingdom, has expressed deep condolences and solidarity with Uganda following the tragic military helicopter crash in Mogadishu that claimed five lives and left several others critically injured.
The incident occurred on Tuesday at Aden Adde International Airport when a Ugandan military helicopter operating under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) crashed and burst into flames during a routine combat escort mission.
According to the Ugandan military spokesperson, Maj. Gen. Felix Kulaigye, the crash killed five soldiers onboard, while the pilot, co-pilot, and flight engineer sustained severe burns and were evacuated for advanced treatment.
The U.S. Embassy in Somalia issued a statement via social media, saying, “We are deeply saddened by the loss of brave Ugandan soldiers in the tragic helicopter crash in Mogadishu. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, the Ugandan people, and AUSSOM. Their sacrifice in pursuit of peace in Somalia will not be forgotten.”
Similarly, the British Embassy in Mogadishu posted, “The UK stands with Uganda and Somalia following the loss of lives in yesterday’s helicopter crash. We pay tribute to the fallen soldiers and thank AUSSOM for its ongoing peacekeeping efforts.”
AUSSOM, in a press release, praised the fallen soldiers for their “unwavering dedication to peace and security in Somalia,” noting that they were part of a vital operation aimed at supporting Somali forces against Al-Shabaab insurgents.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre also extended condolences to Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and the families of the victims, reaffirming Somalia’s gratitude for Uganda’s sacrifice and steadfast commitment to regional stability.
Authorities have launched a formal investigation into the cause of the crash. Preliminary reports indicate a possible technical failure, but officials have not ruled out other factors. A Turkish Airlines flight was briefly delayed due to the emergency response.
Uganda, one of the leading troop-contributing countries to AUSSOM, has deployed thousands of soldiers to Somalia since 2007 under the African Union’s peacekeeping efforts. The incident has once again highlighted the risks peacekeepers face while supporting Somalia’s transition to security self-reliance.