The 14th edition of the East African Community (EAC) Command Post Exercise (CPX), codenamed Ushirikiano Imara, has concluded at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi, Kenya.
The exercise, which commenced on 14 May 2026 at the Humanitarian Peace Support School in Embakasi, Nairobi, was conducted under the theme, “Enhancing Regional Cooperation and Readiness for Peace, Security and Resilience.”
The annual exercise brought together military, police, and civilian components from five EAC Partner States namely Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi, while the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and Somalia participated as observers.
Presiding over the closing ceremony, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Defence, Hon. Soipan Tuya, described regional integration as a strategic necessity for sustaining peace and security in East Africa.
“Integration is a strategic necessity for our peace and security, which remains a key pillar in the development of our region. We must preserve it through preparedness and integrated training exercises such as CPX,” she said.
Hon. Tuya said that the exercise demonstrated strong cooperation among multi-sectoral agencies within the EAC capable of addressing emerging security threats such as terrorism and piracy.
She emphasised that the exercise was more than a routine training activity, saying it simulated real-life scenarios that help build trust, confidence, and operational readiness among partner states.
“The EAC is now a strong regional bloc capable of safeguarding the sovereignty and security of our people,” she added.
Kenya’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Charles Kahariri, said the exercise underscored the strategic value of regional integration in addressing contemporary security challenges.
“Integration means having a common understanding and common standards. This enhances command and control among multinational and multi-sectoral forces and prepares us for future operations,” Gen Kahariri said.
The Exercise Director, Major General John Nkoimo, said the CPX tested the readiness of participating states and strengthened the spirit of cooperation required to respond to emerging threats in the region.
“This exercise has tested our readiness through togetherness, which will continue to guide us in responding successfully to emerging challenges within the shortest time possible,” he said.
Maj Gen Nkoimo added that the ultimate objective of the exercise was the protection of lives and the promotion of regional stability.
The Exercise Force Commander, Brigadier General Ernest Nuwagaba, said the exercise successfully enhanced coordination among military, police, and civilian agencies from EAC partner states.
“We have tested coordination among multi-sectoral agencies from the military, police, and civilian components training together with high levels of discipline to achieve our objectives,” Brig Gen Nuwagaba said.
He added that solidarity among partner states remains the foundation of the region’s collective strength.
The Deputy Head of Mission and Head of the Civilian Component from Headquarter Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability (HQ URDC) Jinja, Ms Allen Ruhangataremwa, commended the Ministries of Defence from EAC partner states for involving civilians in the exercise.
She said that the participation of civilian actors provided a practical demonstration of interoperability in addressing contemporary regional challenges.
Among those who attended the ceremony were Rwanda’s Minister of Defence, Hon. Juvenal Marizamunda, Uganda’s Minister of State for Defence, Hon. Huda Abason Oleru, Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt Gen Sam Okiding, Burundi’s Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt Gen Jean Paul Habimana, Tanzania’s Chief of Staff, Lt Gen Osman Lulu, UPDF Joint Staff Training and Doctrine, Brig Gen Wyclif Keita, Defence Attachés from EAC partner states, members of the diplomatic corps, and representatives from the EAC Secretariat led by Brig Gen Matthew Gureme.
