EAC Armed Forces Joint Training starts in Jinja

Participants at the ongoing 12th EAC Armed Forces Field Training Exercise (FTX), Ushirikiano Imara 2022 have been told that joint field training exercises boost military readiness and overall responses to complex security challenges.

This remark was made by the UPDF Military Police Commandant and Exercise Director, Maj Gen Don Nabasa, on behalf of the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Wilson Mbadi, as he officially opened the 12th EAC Armed Forces Field Training Pre – Exercise Clinic at the Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability Center, in Jinja district.

He said the joint training affirms capabilities to rapidly deploy whenever confronted with global security challenges like terrorism and cyber threats, among others.

“Exercises of this nature can’t happen overnight but need the involvement of all EAC Commanders in planning and preparation to meet the required success,” Maj Gen Nabasa noted.

He added that although the exercise scenario is not real, participants will learn some realistic lessons which will deepen resilience and cordial strength.

Maj Gen Nabasa also mentioned that as they promote unity and integration through the observance of EAC Protocols, they strengthen military cooperation as a regional force to address new emerging threats.

“The EAC objective is intended to promote the integration agenda and interoperability of EAC Defence Forces, Police, Prisons and the civilians,” asserted the Exercise Director.

He further acknowledged that the combined EAC Armed Forces Field Training Exercises strengthen capacities of forces to plan, prepare and sustain operations that promote peace, security and stability.

Maj Gen Nabasa concluded by applauding the Ugandan Government, the EAC Secretariat and the UPDF fraternity for their unwavering support towards the success of the event amidst the unforeseen COVID-19 challenges.

The exercise composition of the military, police, prisons and key civilian components entails an opportunity to train realistically.

The three – day (30th May to June 2, 2022) 12th EAC FTX Pre – Exercise Clinic aims at inducting participants into the requirements of the exercise and will provide knowledge on how to deal with the exercise thematic areas which are; Peace Support Operations, Counter Terrorism, Counter Piracy and Disaster Management.

The activity was also attended by the Exercise Head of Mission, Ms. Lydia Wanyoto, Defence Liaison Officers at EAC Secretariat and Heads of Delegation of the EAC Partner States, among others.