By Kampala Post Reporter
The Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs Lt Col (Rtd) Dr. Bright Rwamirama emphasizes that survival of the East African Community depends on cooperation, unity and purpose among East Africans.
Col Rwamirama made the remarks on Thursday while officiating at the opening of the 12th Edition of the East African Community (EAC) Armed Forces Command Post Exercise (CPX), code named Ushirikiano Imara 2019 at the Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability Center (URDCC) in Jinja district.
He noted that the region’s security landscape has drastically changed, which calls for security agencies to jointly adapt to new methods to mitigate new threats, which include; natural and man-made disasters, terrorism, piracy and cyber security.
“Embrace the spirit of cooperation as brothers and sisters to amicably enhance the EAC integration agenda through joint military training, engaging in joint technical operations and exchanging knowledge,” Rwamirama told the participants.
He encouraged them to always be prepared and ready to respond to any threat.
The UPDF Chief of Defence Forces Gen David Muhoozi said the training is meant to test and prepare forces for joint operations now or later.
“Joint training enhances cooperation and interoperability among EAC forces, police and civilians. It also promotes the EAC integration process,” he said, adding that issues of security take centre stage in the region and beyond for socio-economic transformation to be realized and sustained.
The UPDF Deputy Commander Land Forces who is also the exercise director Maj Gen Sam Kavuma commended EAC Partner States for embracing the joint training, noting that the exercise will impart the knowledge and skills required for any joint mission.
Col Gerald Butera, who represented the EAC Secretary General Amb Hon Liberat Mfumuleko, praised the role of joint training in promoting cooperation and cultivating friendship when responding to complex challenges.
The joint military exercise that started on 4th November 2019 is composed of members of the EAC Armed Forces and key civilian agencies from the six EAC Partner States.
