Hon Rebecca Kadaga commissions East African armed forces CIMIC project in Jinja and Buikwe districts

The 1st Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Rebecca Alitwaala Kadaga commissioned the CIMIC projects that were undertaken during the Field Training Exercise (FTX) Ushikiano Imara, 2022 in Buikwe and Jinja Districts.

The armed forces Field Training Exercise (FTX) Ishikiano Imara, 2022, undertook to build two classroom blocks at Bukaya Primary School in Njeru municipality, Buikwe District, and St Mary’s Nsuube Primary School in Budondo sub-county, Jinja city plus a maternity ward at Ivunamba Health center II, Budondo sub county in Jinja city.

The exercise started on 27th May up to 10th June 2022 in Jinja under the theme: “Promoting peace, security, and stability towards the East African Community integration.”

In her opening remarks, Hon. Kadaga noted that the two projects have not been undertaken by only the UPDF but also other armed forces of the seven EAC member states. She added that the livelihoods of the people of Njeru Municipality improved during the FTX because the exercise participants were buying quite a number of items from the local community.

She urged the people of Njeru Municipality to always embrace and make proper use of the commissioned facilities for the betterment of their respective communities.

Speaking at the function, Hon Jacob Oboth Oboth, the Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs (Defence) was happy to note that the community was grateful and warmly embraced the government projects.

The Cabinet Minister of State in the office of the Vice President Hon. Diana Nankunda Mutasingwa expressed her pleasure at the donations from the EAC armed forces. She, in her own capacity, donated thirty desks to Bukaya Primary School.

Maj Gen Don Nabaasa the Director Ushikiano Imara exercises, on his part said that the projects were undertaken as a way of giving back to the community during the 2022 training exercise and were still under construction by the closure of the exercise. “However, they are now complete and ready for use. Kazi Olitutuma tumemaliza (we have accomplished the work u tasked us with).” he concluded.

He appreciated the full support from the EAC partner states and affirmed that the integration resulted in comprehensive liability and a passionate plan to enable the block to promote the education and health sectors.

The Headteachers of the two beneficiary schools of CIMIC projects applauded the EAC integration for funding the much-needed blocks at their respective schools. They entreated the entire community to use the buildings for the purposes they were meant for.

Mr. Wabika Ayubu the Municipality Mayor appreciated the government of Uganda for loving its people by bringing services closer to communities. He particularly commended the UPDF for doing what benefits the grass-root people.

In attendance was Brig Gen Thiik Bol Giir from South Sudan, Col Uwabye from Rwanda, Mr. Allan Karisa, Kenya High Commission and a number of UPDF senior officers among guests.