Views: 7
Major General Francis Takirwa, the Deputy Commander of the Land Forces, officially sent off Uganda’s contingent for the 13th East African Community (EAC) Field Training Exercise, named ‘Ushirikiano Imara,’ in Rwanda. The flag-off ceremony was held at the Non-Commissioned Officers Academy in Gaddafi Barracks, Jinja, where the participants are currently receiving pre-mission training.
Major General Takirwa emphasized the importance of the exercise, which aims to enhance the capabilities of the armed forces, police, civilian components, and other stakeholders from the partner states in addressing complex security challenges together. This goal aligns with the EAC Protocol on Cooperation in Defence Affairs. He urged the contingent to maintain professional conduct and discipline while in Rwanda to ensure the success of the Field Training Exercise. “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 Major General Takirwa.
Brigadier General Alex Olupot, from the Joint Staff Training and Doctrine department, highlighted that the exercise reflects the EAC’s commitment to cooperation among African countries with shared political, economic, social, and cultural values and interests. This cooperation aims to strengthen the unity and operational capabilities of the EAC member
Brigadier General Fred Twinamasiko, who is the Head of the Delegation and the Chief Evaluator of the Ugandan Contingent, explained that Uganda’s participation in the exercise is intended to train military, police, prisons, and civilian components from the partner states in various fields. These fields include peace support operations, disaster management, counter-piracy, and counter-terrorism.
The 13th East African Field Training Exercise, which is scheduled for June in Rwanda, aims to practice and improve regional arrangements in maintaining international peace and security as outlined in the United Nations Chapter VIII. This exercise provides a strong mechanism for resolving local disputes and enhancing regional security cooperation.
In related news, the Chief of Staff of the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) Air Force, Brigadier General David Gonyi, has highlighted the importance of regional integration. He emphasized that for the member states of the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF), regional integration is crucial for ensuring their survival and security.
Brigadier General Gonyi made these remarks while officiating at the opening of a 14-day Battlegroup Commanders’ Course held at the United Nations Regional Service Centre in Entebbe. He urged the participants to focus on fostering regional integration throughout the course.
The Battlegroup Commanders’ Course has drawn participants from various EASF member states. The primary goal of the course is to improve the interoperability among these nations and to strengthen regional integration efforts.
Brigadier General Gonyi stated that the course is designed to equip trainees and future battlegroup commanders with the necessary skills and knowledge for effective tactical planning during peacekeeping missions. He stressed that such training is essential for the success of peacekeeping operations in the region.
He also commended the Eastern Africa Standby Force Secretariat for its efforts in ensuring that all member states have the opportunity to host such important training activities. This initiative promotes cooperation and mutual understanding among the member states.
The member states participating in this course include Uganda, Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda, Comoros, Djibouti, Somalia, Ethiopia, and Sudan.