By KT Reporter
Soldiers heading to Rwanda for the 5th East African Community Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC) week have been urged not to embarrass the Uganda People’s Defence Forces –UPDF and the country’s name.
Lt Gen Jack Bakasumba, UPDF’s Chief of Joint Staff, said Uganda and UPDF have for long built a good name across the continent, and it would be unacceptable for soldiers participating in CIMIC to behave unpleasantly.
“Carry Uganda’s flag high. The way you conduct yourselves matters a lot. Guard against irresponsible remarks, especially during your free time,” Lt Gen Bakasumba said.
Bakasumba flagged off a 30-member contingent heading to Kigali, Rwanda, at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA) headquarters in Mbuya. He implored the participants to exhibit the highest degree of discipline.
“I urged you to uphold discipline and represent Uganda with pride. CIMIC activities are very important in deepening regional cooperation, improving service delivery, and strengthening the visibility of the EAC,” Lt Gen Bakasumba emphasised.
Brig Gen Michael Kibuye, the director of CIMIC, noted that the military is currently ahead of political structures in promoting regional integration. The two Generals hailed the growing relationship between Uganda and Rwanda, describing it as one of increasing cooperation, with at least five joint activities held annually.
“CIMIC activities were developed during a Defence Experts’ Working Group meeting held in Kigali. We pledge total commitment to do our best in this short but critical time,” Brig Gen Kibuye said.
Brig Gen Kibuye explained that the 30-member team includes 12 senior officers and is divided into two technical groups: 14 medical personnel and 14 engineers (plumbers and electrical technicians). The group is led by Brig Gen Kibuye and his deputy, Lt Col Matsiko, who also heads Diplomatic and Regional Affairs in the UPDF.
UPDF said the Ugandan contingent will participate in a range of humanitarian and development-oriented tasks, including providing free medical services, installing 70 solar panels, and setting up seven 10-litre water tanks across selected areas in Rwanda-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
