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More than 600 Somali soldiers completed six months of military training in Uganda on May 10th and are returning home to boost the Somali security forces fighting al-Shabaab.

Colonel Winston Byaruhanga, head of Bihanga military training school in Ibanda district, told the IRIN news service that by the end of year, around 3,000 Somali soldiers and officers will receive military training. He said the 603 Somali soldiers who trained with 248 Ugandan soldiers will help bring peace and stability to Somalia.

"These soldiers will form the nucleus of [the] Somali army. Show them where al-Shabaab are, and they are ready for the job," said Lieutenant General Edward Katumba Wamala, commander of Uganda Land Forces. "These soldiers will make peace in Somalia. We are optimistic that will happen in Somalia soon."

Training included exercises in urban combat, mine awareness, health, political education and weapons.

"We are determined to go back and pacify our country from al-Shabaab," said Somali soldier Mohammed Ali Hassan, who was recognised as the best student during the training. "We are now equipped and ready for the battle."