'Ushirakiaino Imara 2023' : Ugandan Contingent Urged on East African Integration

The Defence Attaché of Uganda to Rwanda Brig Gen Dr Emmanuel Shillingi called upon Uganda’s contingent that participated in the just concluded Command Post Exercise 'Ushirikiano Imara 2023 in Rwanda to champion and deepen the spirit of the East African Community integration.

Brig Gen Shillingi made the call as he and other senior leaders bid farewell to the Uganda Contingent at the Gatuna Border where they hailed the team for having been good ambassadors of Uganda during the exercise alongside other Partner States participants.

Colonel Jean Chrysostome NGENDAHIMANA, the Deputy Commandant of Rwanda Defence Force Command and Staff College (RDFCSC) applauded Uganda for conducting an incident-free exercise and said that the Rwanda Defence Forces and Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces will always enjoy cordial relations for the common interests of its people.

At the same event, Uganda's Minister of Defence for General Duties Jacob Marksons Oboth hailed the East African Armed Forces for taking the lead in the regional integration process of the Community. 

“All this shows that the EAC has succeeded in uniting the forces together. If we talk of integration, then the Defence Forces integrated many years ago. Continue to pursue the goals and objectives that bring our countries together,” said Oboth.

The Minister underscored the importance of the exercise saying that the simulation exercise that was conducted is a pointer that the countries are now able to strategize, mobilize, plan and pull resources together in case of any eventuality.

The Deputy Secretary General of the EAC Deputy Secretary General, Andrea Aguer Ariik Malueth said that the planning and execution of the exercise is a testimony to further strengthen the cause of unity, common defence, security, and peace which will provide a conducive and attractive environment for investment and development of the region.

“It is a great inspiration to the people of East Africa to see members of the Defence forces together with the Police and Civilians gathered under the auspices of the community participating in a Military Command Post Exercise. This is living proof that EAC integration is moving towards greater heights and the event has offered concrete hope and aspects for future integration and progress for the people of East Africa,” Malueth said.

Col Stuart Agaba an evaluator in the exercise noted that the East African Community forces have exhibited a high level of professionalism in their command posts. He urged the participants to inculcate the practices from the Exercise amongst their respective institutions such that they perform to their expected standards.

The Command Post Exercise 'Ushirikiano Imara 2023' was held in accordance with the EAC Defence sector calendar of activities under the provisions of the East African Protocol on cooperation and defence affairs whose four pillars include: visits and exchange of information, military training, joint operations and technical cooperation.

The Uganda Contingent headed by Brig Gen Stephen Kashure was composed of participants from UPDF, UPF, UPS, Immigration Officers and Civilians. It joined other partner States for the 13th EAC Command Post Exercise dubbed 'Ushirakiaino Imara 2023' which was held at the Rwanda Defence Force Command and Staff College, Musanze from June 14- 26.