Regional security cooperation took centre stage on Thursday as armed forces from East African Community (EAC) partner states convened in Nairobi, Kenya, for the 14th edition of the Command Post Exercise, codenamed Ushirikiano Imara.
The exercise, officially launched at the Humanitarian Peace Support School in Embakasi, brings together participants from the military, police, and civilian components across the EAC under the theme: “Enhancing Regional Cooperation and Readiness for Peace, Security and Resilience.”
Officiating at the opening ceremony, Lt Gen. John Omenda, Chief of Defence Forces of the Kenya Defence Forces, described the exercise as a strong testament to the region’s unity and shared commitment to peace and stability.
“This exercise is a demonstration of our collective commitment to unity as one East African family,” Lt Gen Omenda said. “Through collaboration, discipline, and shared responsibility, we are strengthening our capacity to address security challenges such as terrorism, piracy, and other emerging threats.”
He emphasized that regional unity has enhanced the ability of partner states to respond effectively to cross-border threats, pledging that East Africa will remain resilient against any forces seeking to destabilize the region.
The Deputy Secretary General of the East African Community, Andrey Eric, noted that the exercise aligns with the EAC Protocol on Defence Cooperation, which underscores the central role of peace and security in driving socio-economic transformation.
“This initiative strengthens multi-agency coordination and builds the capacity of our defence forces to respond to both security and economic challenges affecting the region,” he said.
Exercise Director Maj. Gen. John Nkoimo explained that Ushirikiano Imara is designed as an assimilation exercise aimed at enhancing interoperability among regional forces. He said it focuses on improving rapid response capabilities in areas such as peace support operations, counter-terrorism, counter-piracy, and disaster management.
“The goal is to ensure that our forces can work seamlessly with multi-sectoral agencies and respond effectively in the shortest time possible,” Maj Gen Nkoimo said, adding that the exercise also promotes awareness and advancement of the EAC integration agenda.
Force Commander Brig. Gen. Ernest Nuwagaba, drawn from the Ugandan contingent, reaffirmed the commitment of participating forces to fully implement the exercise scenarios with realism and professionalism.
“We are determined to strengthen our collective ability to meet the objectives of this exercise and translate them into practical responses to real-world challenges,” Brig Gen Nuwagaba said.
The opening ceremony was attended by several high-profile officials, including Uganda’s State Minister for Defence in charge of Veterans, Huda Abason Oleru, Burundi’s Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Lt. Gen. Jean Paul Habimana, Tanzania’s Commander of Land Forces Maj. Gen. Fadhili Omari Nondo, and Uganda’s Joint Staff for Training and Doctrine Brig. Gen. Wyclif Kaita. Defence attachés, members of the diplomatic corps, and senior officers from the Kenya Defence Forces were also in attendance.
The Ushirikiano Imara exercise continues to serve as a key platform for strengthening regional cooperation, enhancing operational readiness, and reinforcing the EAC’s collective commitment to peace, security, and resilience.