Uganda Flags Off 69-Member Contingent for EAC Regional Security Exercise in Kenya

Uganda has flagged off a 69-member contingent to participate in the 14th East African Community (EAC) Armed Forces Command Post Exercise (CPX), codenamed Ushirikiano Imara 2026.

The exercise will be hosted at the Humanitarian Peace Support School in Nairobi from May 8 to 28.  It brings together military, police, civilian, and humanitarian personnel from EAC partner states to strengthen regional cooperation in addressing emerging security threats.

Uganda’s delegation comprises 41 military officers, 10 police officers, and 18 civilians drawn from various government ministries and humanitarian organisations.

The annual exercise is conducted on a rotational basis among EAC member states under the EAC Protocol on Cooperation in Defence Affairs. This year’s simulation is based on a hypothetical East African state known as “Pwani,” grappling with a political crisis involving peace support operations, counter-terrorism, and disaster management scenarios.

The Commandant of Uganda’s contingent, Col. Earnest Nuwagaba, said the exercise is intended to strengthen the capacity of EAC partner states to jointly respond to complex security challenges through coordinated military, police, and civilian action.

Nuwagaba, who also heads the Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability (URDC), said such exercises are essential for the success of regional integration because they enable member states to harmonise strategies for responding swiftly and effectively to security threats.

He noted that the command post exercise, which will later culminate in field training exercises, provides an opportunity for EAC armed forces to develop practical solutions for preventing and managing regional security challenges.

Dennis Ochama, the head of the police component, said the exercise offers participating agencies a platform to test and strengthen coordination mechanisms needed for joint regional operations. He added that improved coordination among security agencies from different EAC partner states is critical in ensuring effective joint responses to complex security situations.

Humphrey Wejuli, the senior immigration officer leading the civilian component, said peace support operations are aimed at protecting and improving the well-being of communities. He noted that the exercise gives civilian authorities a better understanding of military operations and their role in promoting peace and stability.

Wejuli added that involving civilian stakeholders in joint training helps generate practical solutions for addressing modern security threats facing the region.

Flagging off the contingent, the Commandant of the Senior Command and Staff College, Brig. Gen. Michael Kabanga said the exercise will enhance the preparedness of EAC partner states to deal with prevailing security challenges.

Kabanga urged members of Uganda’s contingent to uphold discipline and integrity throughout the exercise, noting that professionalism is vital in strengthening the spirit of East African regional cooperation.