By eastafrican gazette
Maj Gen. Francis M Takirwa, the Deputy Commander Land Forces of the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF), flagged off the Uganda delegation for the 13th East African Community (EAC) Armed Forces Field Training Exercise code named USHIRIKIANO IMARA 2024, in Rwanda at a colorful function held at the Non-Commissioned Officers Academy (NCOA) in Jinja City.
The exercise, which runs under the theme “Strengthening Security Sector Interests and Integration for Regional Peace and Stability,” aims at enhancing the capabilities of partner states, armed forces, the police, civilian components, and other stakeholders in jointly combating complex security challenges.
![](https://eastafricangazette.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/GPTnX8gXcAAaJEf-1024x678.jpg)
The exercise brings together four countries of Rwanda, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, and Kenya.
It seeks to enhance the state of readiness and interoperability of partner states’ armed forces, police, civilian components, and other stakeholders in planning and conducting integrated missions encompassing peace support operations, disaster management, counter terrorism and counter-piracy.
![](https://eastafricangazette.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/GPTnKqrXEAAHg7F.jpg)
Takirwa urged the participants to conduct themselves professionally and exhibit discipline at all times to achieve the expected outcomes.
The Field Training Exercise will run from the 07th of June to 26th June 2024