Feral Jundi

Now this is a very interesting development. All of these security contractors from Uganda that have participated in such programs like TWISS in Iraq, are now looking at Somalia as the next market for security contracts. Which makes total sense, and especially since there is a massive pool of Ugandan security contractors created by their efforts in Iraq.

Uganda is also a huge contributor of forces for AMISOM, so it would only be fair that their country’s PSC’s would have a crack at any contracts in Somalia. I would imagine Burundi would also be interested in entering the reconstruction market in Somalia as well. Uganda has also lost 57 plus troops in the war, and Burundi has lost 78. But the real market of force would come out of Uganda.

This pool of security contractors are also trained to western standards, with experience in Iraq and Afghanistan, and they could be an excellent tool to use for Somalia’s reconstruction plans. But like the article mentioned below, if the gains made by AMISOM are lost, then there really is no chance of PSC’s coming in. We will see how it goes? –Matt

Ugandans eye businesses in Somalia
By John Semakula
12th September, 2011
THE business community in Uganda received the news of AMISOM’s recent victory against the al-Shabaab militants in Mogadishu with a smile of hope. ?The community had long wanted to venture into Somalia but the insecurity in the country had hindered it. ?When news emerged that the AU peacekeepers had secured 90% of Mogadishu from the militants, managers of various companies in Uganda started drawing business plans for Somalia.

?Uganda’s private security firms and the Uganda Export Promotions Board (UEPB) are among local enterprises eyeing the country. ?Daniel Karibwije, the UEPB spokesperson, said: “We shall definitely target Somalia in our export promotion business when the country stabilises.” ?Moses Matsiko of Pinnacle Security Company said Somalia was the firm’s next destination. ?“We shall eventually go to Somalia but after being assured of security,” he said. ?Balagadde Kiggunddu of Dreshak Security Solutions said when the company is sure of the security for its recruits, it will venture into Somalia. ?He noted that in Iraq and Afghanistan where the firm usually sends its recruits, there are bunkers and demarcated zones where the recruits can hide in case of an attack. ?Thousands of Ugandans have gone to work as security guards in Iraq and Afghanistan, a move that has reduced unemployment and boosted the country’s foreign revenues. ?AMISOM spokesperson Lt. Col. Paddy Ankunda said there were many opportunities in Somalia which Ugandans can exploit. ?Since Uganda is an agricultural country, it could export food to the famine-stricken Somalia, he said. ?Currently, the business between the two countries is one sided. Somalis flock to Uganda to carry out business but Ugandans cannot venture into Somalia because of the insecurity.
Story here.