A contingent of 25 personnel from Rwanda Defence Forces and Civilian Component left the country on Sunday to participate in Military Training Exercises in Jinja, eastern Uganda.

The Command Post Exercise (CPX) "Maliza Ugaidi-15" is a multidimensional and multinational military exercise.

It is aimed at improving participating forces’ capacity to plan and integrate military operations with civilian authorities’ activities in countering violent extremist organisations and providing humanitarian assistance.

More than 300 military personnel, police and civilians from Burundi, Netherlands, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and United States are participating in the two-week exercise.The Rwandan contingent was welcomed in Jinja, Uganda by the exercise director, Brig Gen Mathew Gureme of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).

The contingent led by Col. Denis Rutaha will engage in joint training counter violent extremism operations during the exercise due to kick off officially today.

The exercise overall objective is to try and simulate realistic scenarios using a variety of experiences and doctrines, exchange ideas, increase understanding and interoperability among Partner Nations and maximise the learning of the participants.

The training being conducted in Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability Centre in Jinja will conclude on March 14.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw