7th EAC Training Enhances Chemical Emergency Response Capacity
The 7th Training on Chemical Emergency Response for the East African Community (EAC) concluded at the Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability Centre (URDCC) in Jinja, Uganda, on December 11, 2024.
The 10-day program brought together 35 participants from seven of the eight EAC member states, focusing on enhancing regional capacity for chemical safety and emergency response.
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Organized by Uganda’s Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, the training underscores Uganda’s leadership in regional chemical safety initiatives.
It provided participants with hands-on experience in handling chemical emergencies, covering topics such as chemical warfare agents, individual protective measures, detection, and decontamination techniques.
The sessions were guided by regional experts previously trained under the same program and supervised by specialists from the Czech Republic.
Participants represented a diverse range of sectors, including police, military, fire brigades, government laboratories, and humanitarian organizations such as the Red Cross.
While EAC member states do not produce chemical weapons, the region faces risks from chemical misuse, accidental spills, and potential terrorist attacks.
The training aimed to equip first responders with the knowledge and tools to handle such emergencies effectively, ensuring both public safety and environmental protection.
Edward Sebina, Commissioner for Social Affairs at the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, officiated at the closing ceremony.
He emphasized the importance of preparedness, stating, “Although East African nations do not possess chemical weapons, the ability to respond to emergencies involving chemicals is essential for safeguarding our communities.”
Babatunde Olowookere, a representative from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), commended Uganda for hosting the event and reaffirmed the OPCW’s commitment to supporting such initiatives across Africa.
Brig. Flavia Byekwaso, Deputy Commandant of the URDCC, highlighted the importance of continued training to strengthen safety and chemical management in the region.
Uganda has hosted this annual training since 2015, a recognition of its strides in implementing the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).
The country ratified the CWC in 2001 and established a National Authority in 2002 to oversee its implementation.
In 2016, Uganda enacted the Toxic Chemical Prohibition and Control Act, further strengthening its legal framework.
This year’s training aligns with Uganda’s regulations developed in 2023 to operationalize the Act, reinforcing the country’s commitment to chemical safety and emergency preparedness.
The training also aimed to foster regional collaboration among EAC member states.
It emphasized the need for coordinated efforts in responding to chemical emergencies, ensuring that first responders from different sectors and countries can work together seamlessly during cross-border incidents.
Key outputs of the training included the expansion of a skilled pool of first responders, strengthened regional cooperation, and improved capacity for managing chemical emergencies across the region.
Participants were awarded certificates upon completing the intensive program, signaling their readiness to apply their newfound skills in real-world scenarios.
As chemical-related risks continue to evolve globally, initiatives like this underscore the critical importance of preparedness.
By equipping first responders with the necessary expertise, the East African Community is taking proactive steps to safeguard its people and environment from potential chemical threats.
