Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) contingent on Sunday visited Mpendae hospital in Zanzibar-Tanzania to participate in the ongoing 4th East Africa Community (EAC) Armed Forces Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC) Day activities.
The contingent was led by UPDF Chief for CIMIC, Brig Emmanuel Rwashande.
They were received by the Commandant-Chukwani Training Center, Col ET Stephene, and Dr. Ramadhan Mikikali.
While flagging off the contingent at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA) Headquarters, in Mbuya last week, the Deputy Chief of Personnel and Administration, Brig Gen Geoffrey Kaweesa Kigozi, who represented the Joint Chief of Staff (JCOS), Maj Gen Leopold Kyanda, urged the team “to perform professionally and be our ambassadors and keep the Ugandan flag high”.
He also implored the contingent to execute the planned and desired activities for a good regional brotherhood.
The Contingent of fifteen (15) UPDF personnel will conduct the 4th EAC CIMIC event in accordance with the EAC Defence Sector Calendar of activities.
“The execution of CIMIC activities is a testimony of further strengthening the cause of East African Community unity, Common Defence, security, peace, development and a common market for our people,” said Brig Gen Rwashande.
He added that through joint participation, the armed forces lay a strong foundation for cherished unity, peace, strength and common interests for the people.
The EAC Armed Forces CIMIC week is an annual and rotational event, aimed at fostering cooperation between the people from all EAC Partners States and their respective Defence Forces.
This year’s 4th EAC Armed Forces Day activities which include; offering free medical outreach services dental and eye care check-ups, HIV/AIDS counselling and testing and minor surgeries, among others, commenced on 25th August and will end on 2nd September 2022.
Previous EAC Armed Forces CIMIC activities were held in Kenya (2021), 2020 was skipped due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Rwanda hosted in 2019. In 2018, Uganda also hosted similar activities in Bukedi Sub-region.
