Uganda has flagged off a 23-member contingent to participate in the 6th edition of the East African Community (EAC) Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) Week in the United Republic of Tanzania, with this year’s exercise placing emphasis on providing free medical services to local communities, donation to orphanages as well as prisons and rehabilitation centers.
The contingent, drawn from the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), Uganda Police Force and Uganda Prisons Service, will conduct the activities mainly in Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam alongside personnel from five other EAC member states.
Flagging off the team, the Chief of Joint Staff of the UPDF, Lieutenant General Jack Bakasumba urged the personnel to approach the assignment as ambassadors of Uganda.
“The patients will not be looking at you as an individual doctor, but as a doctor from Uganda. You have to bear that in mind as you go out there to be our ambassadors and I don’t expect any form of indiscipline,” Lt Gen Bakasumba said.
He said that CIMIC activities part of the broader EAC integration agenda aimed at strengthening cooperation among member states and improving the welfare of their people.
“These activities are not an end in themselves. They are serious, deliberate actions that are required for us in support of the regional integration agenda. Our President is a big supporter of this integration,” he said.
Lt Gen Bakasumba also highlighted the longstanding relationship between Uganda and Tanzania, urging the team to uphold discipline, professionalism and mutual respect throughout their stay.
“Go there and perform your duties with required expertise and carry yourself diligently because Uganda and Tanzania share a good relationship which both countries respect,” he stated.
The contingent commander, also CIMIC Director of the UPDF Brigadier General Micheal Kibuye, said Uganda’s participation in the exercise is part of an annual regional programme conducted on a rotational basis among EAC member states to strengthen military cooperation and foster closer relations with communities.
Brig Gen Kibuye said the team was well prepared for the assignment and expressed confidence in its ability to make meaningful contributions to the exercise.
“These are highly trained people, and we believe that they will do a great job,” he said.
He cautioned the contingent against any form of unprofessional conduct, particularly alcoholism, while urging them to learn from counterparts from other participating countries.
“I urge all of you to perform to your very best and maintain maximum discipline at all times as you already know that we are a disciplined force,” he said.
The medical component includes specialists in psychology, neurosurgery and eye care, among other areas, drawn from the participating security agencies.
