By Annet Nakanwagi,
The President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, H.E. Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmaajo has condoled with President Museveni and the people of Uganda over the death of Maj. Gen. Paul Lokech.
Gen Lokech also known as the Lion of Mogadishu passed on Saturday morning at his home in Buwate Wakiso district. According to pathologists, he died of blood clot after he collapsed down from a chair and broke his leg on the ankles.
In a telephone call to President Museveni on Sunday afternoon, President Mohamed Addullahi Mohamed Farmaajo described the late Maj. Gen. Paul Lokech as a “true son of Africa” and a patriot who worked hard towards peace and security on the continent and particularly in Somalia.
The former president of Somalia, Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, has also mourned the Lion of Mogadishu Maj Gen Lokech, who died on Saturday morning at his home.
Sharif Ahmed directly benefited from Maj Gen Paul Lokech’s leadership in the AMISOM operations against the Al-Shabab during his time as president of Somalia in 2012. Sharif Ahmed described Maj Gen Lokech as a “great friend of Somalia and the “Lion of Mogadishu”.
He added on and said, “The Lion of Mogadishu played a massive role in defeating Al-Shabab. He will not be forgotten,”
AMISOM also expressed they were saddened by the death of their section one commander Maj Gen Paul Lokech.
“During his distinguished tours of duty, we all remember him as a man of great character, great courage, integrity, and honor. He was a brave and strategic fighter who was instrumental in commanding the counter-insurgency operations that drove Al-Shabab out of Mogadishu in October 2011,” the AMISOM statement reads in part.
“As a towering icon in the fight against armed militants, he leaves an enduring legacy that will never be forgotten,” the statement continues.
Maj Gen Lokech was Uganda’s AMISOM contingent commander from May 2011 to 2012 and again between December 2017- December 2018
