Rwandan and Ugandan Police have started a joint disaster preparedness and management exercise.

The exercise was officially launched by Seraphine Mukantabana, the Minister for Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs, at Gishari Police Training School in Rwamagana District, yesterday.

The three-day exercise code-named CPX-SAVE LIFE, attracted at least 32 police officers from both countries.

Addressing government officials and the officers from both countries, IGP Emmanuel Gasana, said the exercise would enhance police capabilities to deal with asymmetrical threats like refugees influx.

"We are living in a rapid changing world, where according to Red Cross statistics 50 million people have been killed since 1900. Today, human security is under threat, which is why we are concerned as Police. Influx of refugees and terrorism pose great danger to our region,” he said.

IGP Gasana said the joint force was established for disaster management and specialised response to natural and man-made disasters.

"Bilateral cooperation is paramount. Contemporary security challenges can not be dealt with in isolation. We agreed to work together to check common threats.’’

Richard Kabonero, Uganda’s High Commissioner to Rwanda, said the exercise was timely.

"I highly commend the initiative for the two countries to work together, it comes at a time when threats like terrorism in Kampala and Nairobi were at their worst. Police as law enforcers are and should be in the lead, when it comes to addressing disasters. They are the first and last at the scene of crime. We are optimistic that the results will be positive,” he said.

Minister Mukantaba, reiterated the importance of the joint exercise, noting that development hinged on security.

"I am convinced that participants will share experience and knowledge, and gain expertise to manage disasters effectively. Disasters know no boundary…bilateral and multinational cooperation cannot thus be over-emphasised. Exercises of this kind will be instrumental in the future,” she said.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw