Rwanda is hosting the EAC Armed Forces Field Training Exercise codenamed ”Ushirikiano Imara 2012” scheduled from 15-28 October this year. Ushirikiano Imara means building strong relationships and reflects the EAC Armed Forces' commitment to work together against complex security challenges.

The Field Training Exercise aims at practicing EAC Armed Forces in planning and conducting Peace Support Operations, Disaster Management, Counter Terrorism, and Counter-piracy.

About 1600 military, police, and civilian personnel will participate in the exercise that will take place at Rwanda Military Academy-Gako, Bugesera district, and on Lake Kivu in Rubavu district. The troops comprise Land, Air, and Navy components.

“Ushirikiano Imara 2012” is a continuation of the EAC Command Post Exercise (CPX) held in the then Rwanda Military Academy Nyakinama in October 2011 whereby troops exercised War Gaming procedures. This time it will be about the field practice of the CPX War Gaming exercise.

Previously such kinds of Exercises were held in Tanzania in 2004 and 2009, Kenya in 2005, and Uganda in 2006. EAC treaty and various agreements among which is the MOU on defence cooperation mandates Armed Forces from Partner States to cooperate in military training, joint operations, technical assistance, and exchange of information as well as visits to each other’s militaries.

FTX Opening ceremony.