Okoa Maisha concluded at the Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability (URDC) Headquarters in Jinja. Speaking on behalf of Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja and the Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Major General Bob Ogik commended facilitators, participants, and experts for their contributions to knowledge-sharing and disaster preparedness. He emphasized the importance of inter-agency collaboration, urging all security forces and stakeholders to strengthen communication, share resources, and implement best practices from the exercise. “I urge each of you to take the knowledge and skills you have acquired and share them within your respective agencies and communities,” he stated.
Building Disaster Preparedness Capacity
Maj. Gen. Ogik highlighted that the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), with support from its partners, has developed robust capabilities to handle both natural and man-made disasters. He called for a shift towards proactive disaster management, focusing on preparedness rather than reactionary measures. The Exercise Director, Brig. Gen. Ernest Nuwagaba, who also serves as the Commander of Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability (URDC), praised participants for their dedication.
“This was a seven-day exercise designed to test and validate HQ-URDC’s readiness and capability in responding to emerging disasters,” Brig. Gen. Nuwagaba noted. With the East African region prone to frequent disasters, Brig. Gen. Nuwagaba emphasized the need for such exercises to enhance collaboration and synergy among disaster response agencies.
Real-Life Disaster Simulation in Bulambuli District
Brig. Gen. (Rtd) Fred Rugadya Akiiki, Head of the National Emergency Coordination and Operations Center (NECOC) in the Office of the Prime Minister, confirmed that the exercise scenario, conducted in Buluganya Sub-County, Bulambuli District, was a success. The simulation accurately mirrored real-life disaster situations, allowing agencies to test and improve their response strategies. Participants included personnel from multiple government agencies, including Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), Ministry of Works and Transport (MoWT), Ministry of Internal Affairs, Uganda Police Force, Uganda Prisons Service, Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC), Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS)
Among those present at the closing ceremony were Brig. Gen. Chris Ogwal – Commandant, Junior Staff College, Brig. Gen. Flavia Byekwaso – Chief of Staff, URDC, Brig. Gen. Micheal Ssozi Ssesanga – Commandant, Non-Commissioned Officers Academy & Exercise Controller, Brig. Gen. Saad Katemba – UPDF Director of Training, SSP Bosco Arop – Deputy Commandant, Police Senior Command and Staff College, Bwebajja, Ms. Amanda Magambo – Head of the Civilian Component and Air Commodore Kedar Thaaka – Director, National Forensic University – Uganda Campus
The “OKOA MAISHA” exercise has reinforced Uganda’s commitment to effective disaster management and response, ensuring that security forces and government agencies remain prepared for emergencies. The insights gained will play a crucial role in shaping national policies and response strategies for future disasters.
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