The Uganda Prisons Service (UPS) is participating in the 13th EAC Field Training Exercise (FTX) in Rwanda, with the aim of strengthening capacity building, regional harmony, and cooperation among member states.

The exercise codenamed “Ushirikiano Imara 2024” started on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at Rwanda’s Military Academy in Gako.

According to UPS officials, this year’s edition is themed around four key areas: peace support operations, disaster management, counter-terrorism, and counter-piracy.

“This year’s 13 edition of FTX is themed on four key areas, namely: Peace Support Operations, Disaster Management, Counter-Terrorism, and Counter-Piracy,” UPS stated.

The officials also stated that the clinic will take part in a three-day pre-FTX orientation clinic that focuses on building cohesion and standardizing approaches among the EAC Armed Forces.

The UPS officials emphasized the institution’s commitment to sharing experiences, learning from others, and enhancing skills in peacekeeping, disaster risk reduction, and humanitarian assistance.

The UPS contingent was led by Frank Baine Mayanja, Senior Commissioner of Prisons (Deputy Director of CCA/Service Spokesperson). Others included Apollo Akankunda Bakwate, Commissioner of Prisons (NRIC); Doreen Asiimwe Kazoora, Senior Superintendent of Prisons (NRIC); Papus Muhurizi, Superintendent of Prisons (Assistant Commandant PATS/Parade Admin); and Samuel Opio Eneku, Assistant Superintendent of Prisons (D.O.P-PATS).

The exercise execution will conclude on June 16, 2024, while the activity will conclude on June 23, 2024, with the departure of all contingents.