Maj Gen Francis Takirwa, Deputy Commander Land Force, flagged off Uganda’s contingent for the 13th East African Community Field Training Exercise, codenamed ‘Ushirikiano Imara,’ in Rwanda today.
The ceremony took place at the Non-Commissioned Officers Academy in Gaddafi Barracks, Jinja, where participants are undergoing pre-mission training.
Maj Gen Takirwa urged the contingent to uphold the exercise’s purpose of enhancing the capabilities of partner states’ armed forces, police, civilian components, and other stakeholders in jointly addressing complex security challenges, in line with the EAC Protocol on Co-operation in Defence Affairs. “You are going to the Republic of Rwanda. While there, conduct yourselves in a professional manner and exhibit discipline at all times in order to enhance the Field Training Exercise expected outcomes,” said Maj Gen Takirwa.
Brig Gen Alex Olupot, Joint Staff Training and Doctrine, noted that the exercise reflects the EAC’s commitment to cooperation with African countries sharing common political, economic, social, and cultural values and interests.
Brig Gen Fred Twinamasiko, Head of Delegation and Chief Evaluator of the Ugandan Contingent, stated that Uganda’s participation aims to train partner states’ military, police, prisons, and civilian components in peace support operations, disaster management, counter-piracy, and counter-terrorism.
The 13th East African Field Training Exercise, scheduled for June in Rwanda, aims to practice and perfect the United Nations Chapter VIII’s enhancement of regional arrangements’ involvement in maintaining international peace and security, providing a robust mechanism for resolving local disputes.
