UPDF, Government Agencies Boost Emergency Readiness As OKOA MAISHA 26 Wraps Up Disaster Management Exercise

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja has said disaster preparedness is a non-negotiable national priority, underscoring the state’s obligation to protect lives and property through proactive planning and capacity building as Uganda steps up efforts to strengthen its capacity for disaster response.

Rt. Hon. Nabbanja made the remarks while officiating at the closing ceremony of a two-week field training exercise on disaster management, code-named OKOA MAISHA 26, conducted by the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces through the Headquarters Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability (HQ URDC) at Buginyanya NARO Farm in Bulegeni Sub-county, Bulambuli District.

“Disaster preparedness is a national obligation and a necessity, not an option, because the safety of our people comes first. It is therefore the responsibility of the state to build capacity through such exercises,” she said.

The Prime Minister commended the UPDF and partner agencies for organising the exercise, especially in the Elgon region which has frequently suffered landslides resulting in loss of life and property.
She said that the exercise demonstrated Uganda’s growing capacity to respond to disasters and highlighted the importance of coordinated, multi-agency efforts in saving lives.

The Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Hon. Hillary Onek, said the UPDF now plays a central role in disaster response, working alongside other security agencies, government institutions and non-governmental organisations in a multi-sectoral approach.

He noted that government efforts are ongoing to relocate victims of landslides and floods in the Elgon region to safer areas.

The State Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs (Veteran Affairs), Hon. Huda Oleru Abason, said participants had strengthened their practical and intellectual capacity, transforming theory into action and enhancing national readiness to respond to disasters.

In a message delivered on behalf of the Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Deputy Commander Land Force Maj Gen Joseph Ssemwanga urged troops to remain prepared for the realities of disaster response.

“You have trained to confront chaos, flooded villages, collapsed buildings and wildfires. In disaster, your calm is contagious and your competence saves lives,” the message said.

Maj Gen Ssemwanga, who also served as the exercise director, said Bulambuli District was selected due to its vulnerability to landslides, adding that effective disaster management requires a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach.

The Commander URDC and Exercise Chief Controller Brig Gen Ernest Nuwagaba said the exercise underscored the UPDF’s constitutional role in supporting civil authorities during emergencies.

“As His Excellency the President and Commander-in-Chief, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has emphasised, the UPDF’s role in health, education and disaster response is part of its duty to cooperate with civilian authorities,” he said.

Brig Gen Nuwagaba noted that the exercise, conducted under the theme “Strengthening multi-sectoral resilience and local action on sustainable disaster response and management through integrated leadership and command,” successfully transitioned from tabletop and command post simulations to full field operations.

Bulambuli Resident District Commissioner George Maguda said the exercise was a significant achievement for both the district and the wider Elgon region, adding that a medical camp held alongside the training treated more than 2,000 civilians.

Vincent Wabuya, representing the cultural institution of the Bamasaba, thanked the UPDF for selecting the Bugisu sub-region for the exercise and pledged continued support to government initiatives.

Present at the function were the Deputy Commander Air Force, Maj Gen Isimbwa; the Commandant of the NCO Academy and Exercise Chief Planner, Brig Gen Michael Ssozi Ssesanga; the Director of Operations Other Than War in the UPDF and Deputy Exercise Director, Brig Gen Kenneth Muheire; and the Chief of Staff at Headquarters Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability (URDC), Brig Gen Flavia Byekwaso and representatives from other multi-sectoral departments and agencies that participated in the exercise.