The Uganda Prisons Service (UPS) is taking part in the 13th edition of the East African Community (EAC) Field Training Exercise (FTX) in Rwanda. The exercise, code named “Ushirikiano Imara 2024” (Building Strong Relationships), is aimed at enhancing regional cooperation and capacity building among EAC member states.
According to Frank Mayanja Baine, the Senior Commissioner of Prisons and Deputy Director of UPS Spokesperson, the team is attending a three-day exercise orientation clinic at Rwanda’s Military Academy-Gako, alongside other EAC countries. The exercise runs from June 11–23, 2024, under the theme: Peace Support Operations, Disaster Management, Counter-Terrorism, and Counter-Piracy.
Baine said that the clinic focuses on building cohesion, standardizing approaches among the EAC Armed Forces, civilian components, and other stakeholders, and understanding the roles of each of the exercise participants.
“UPS participation demonstrates its commitment to sharing experiences, learning from others, and enhancing skills in peacekeeping, disaster risk reduction, and humanitarian assistance,” Baine said.
According to Baine, the Uganda Prisons Service was honored to take part in the regional exercise, as it’s an opportunity for them to collaborate with their counterparts, share best practices, and strengthen their capabilities in addressing various security and humanitarian challenges.
The UPS contingent is led by Frank Baine and includes 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 overall activity will conclude on June 23 with the departure of all contingents.
