Uganda Dispatches 293 Troops to Rwanda for Regional Military Training Exercise.

In a demonstration of regional cooperation, Uganda has deployed a contingent of 293 military personnel to Rwanda for the Ushirikiano Imara field training exercise under the East African Community (EAC).

This three-week training aims to bolster the capabilities of the armed forces, police, civilian components, and other stakeholders across East African partner states, enabling them to collectively address complex security challenges.

The Ugandan troops were officially dispatched from the Jinja-based garrison by Major General Francis Takirwa, the Deputy Commander of Land Forces. In his address, Maj Gen Takirwa emphasized the importance of discipline and professionalism among the troops, urging them to maintain these standards to achieve the desired outcomes of the training exercise.

“Conduct yourselves professionally and maintain discipline at all times while in the Republic of Rwanda to achieve the desired outcomes of the field training exercise,” he advised.

The training exercise, which is part of a broader initiative to enhance regional security, includes a range of operations such as war planning, peace support, disaster management, counter-terrorism, and counter-piracy. Brigadier General Alex Olupot, representing the Joint Staff Training and Doctrine, highlighted the significance of the exercise in fostering the EAC’s commitment to promoting cooperation among African nations that share common political, economic, social, and cultural values and interests.

Brigadier General Fred Twinamasiko, the head of the Ugandan contingent and chief evaluator, outlined Uganda’s focus on training partner states in peace support operations, disaster management, counter-piracy, and counter-terrorism.

He noted that the involvement in Ushirikiano Imara reflects a broader effort by the East African Community to strengthen and enhance the capabilities of its member states’ armed forces, police, civilian components, and other stakeholders in managing complex and multidimensional security issues.

The Ushirikiano Imara exercise is a rotational event that occurs every two years, with the previous exercise held in 2022 at the Gaddafi Barracks in Jinja. This rotational nature underscores the commitment of EAC member states to regularly update and refine their cooperative defense strategies, ensuring they remain prepared for various security challenges.

The East African Community Protocol on Cooperation in Defence Affairs forms the foundation for this training initiative. By adhering to this protocol, member states aim to build a cohesive and responsive defense network capable of addressing regional security threats effectively. This protocol emphasizes the importance of joint training and operational readiness, which are critical for the collective security and stability of the region.

As the Ugandan contingent embarks on this significant mission, their participation in Ushirikiano Imara represents a pivotal step in enhancing regional security cooperation. The exercise not only aims to improve tactical and strategic capabilities but also to strengthen the bonds between EAC member states.

Through such initiatives, the East African Community continues to advance its goal of a secure, stable, and prosperous region.

However, Uganda’s deployment of 293 troops to Rwanda for the Ushirikiano Imara exercise marks a crucial moment in regional military collaboration. By engaging in this comprehensive training program, the EAC member states reaffirm their commitment to collective security and their ability to jointly tackle complex security challenges. The success of this exercise will undoubtedly contribute to a stronger, more resilient East African Community.