EAC Defence Experts Conclude CIMIC Guidelines Workshop in Kampala

Delegates, liaison officers, and experts from all six member states of the East African Community have concluded a three-day Defence Experts Working Group workshop aimed at developing Civil–Military Cooperation (CIMIC) guidelines, marking a key step toward strengthening regional coordination in peace support, humanitarian, and disaster response operations.

The workshop, hosted by the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), was held in Kampala rom 28 to 30 January 2026.

Closing the workshop, Maj Gen James Kinalwa, Joint Staff for Human Resource Management, commended participating countries, organisations, and individuals for their contributions.

“The collective expertise shared here demonstrates the importance of regional cooperation in addressing complex and evolving challenges,” Maj Gen Kinalwa said. “Civil–Military Cooperation remains central to modern peacekeeping, particularly in humanitarian assistance and disaster response, and these guidelines will enhance coordination and operational effectiveness among our forces.”

He noted that the guidelines developed during the workshop will strengthen communication, mutual respect, and shared responsibility among military forces, international organisations, and local stakeholders.

Maj Gen Kinalwa further applauded partner states for their joint efforts, saying the outcome of the workshop “will positively shape future CIMIC operations within the region and beyond.”

Earlier, the workshop chairperson, Col Tobias of the Kenya Defence Forces, praised the delegates for their professionalism and teamwork.

“The level of commitment and cooperation demonstrated by all participants throughout this workshop reflects our shared dedication to effective civil–military coordination,” Col Tobias said.

The workshop brought together defence experts, liaison officers, and delegates from all six East African Community member states, reaffirming the region’s commitment to strengthened cooperation through harmonised CIMIC frameworks.