Uganda’s Contingent Flagged Off for EAC Field Training Exercise in Rwanda

Maj Gen Francis M. Takirwa, the Deputy Commander of Land Forces for the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF), has officially flagged off Uganda’s delegation for the 13th East African Community (EAC) Armed Forces Field Training Exercise, codenamed USHIRIKIANO IMARA 2024.

The ceremony took place at the Non-Commissioned Officers Academy (NCOA) in Jinja City.

This year’s exercise, themed “Strengthening Security Sector Interests and Integration for Regional Peace and Stability,” aims to enhance the capabilities of partner states’ armed forces, police, civilian components, and other stakeholders in tackling complex security challenges.

Participants from Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya will join forces to improve readiness and interoperability for integrated missions, including peace support operations, disaster management, counter-terrorism, and counter-piracy.

Maj Gen Takirwa emphasized the importance of professionalism and discipline among the participants to achieve the exercise’s goals. The Field Training Exercise is scheduled to run from June 7th to June 26th, 2024.