The Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) contingent taking part in the ongoing joint regional Field Training Exercise codenamed "Natural Fire 10” (NF 10) yesterday received more medals than the other EAC forces.

Army spokesperson Maj. Jill Rutaremara revealed this to The New Times, that two RDF officers – Lt. Innocent Gapira and 2nd Lt. Rashid Mbavu, were awarded Medals of Excellence.

"Two officers from the Rwandan contingent currently participating in EX – Natural Fire 10 in the general area of Kitgum in Northern Uganda, were today awarded a Medal of Excellence, one in Humanitarian Civic Assistance [HCA] and another in training,” said Rutaremara.

According to Rutaremara, only four medals were awarded. Uganda and the United States — who are also part in the exercise — took home one medal each.

"The four medals were presented by the Exercise Director, Maj. Gen. William Garrett from the United States”.

The exercise which runs from October 16 – 25 is being held in conjunction with the US Africa Command (US AFRICOM). Gen Garrett, who is also the commander of US Army Africa, was in Kigali yesterday to express his gratitude to the RDF’s superb participation.

"The RDF has been very effective in the exercise, and I wanted to make sure that they knew about this great success,” Maj. Gen. Garrett told reporters after meeting Lt. Gen. Charles Kayonga and other officers at the Ministry of Defence headquarters in Kimihururra.

The 133-strong Rwandan contingent is led by Maj. Cyuma Mabano who is deputized by Captain Aaron Ndagije.

NF 10 is a Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief Exercise designed to give troops from the United States and the five EAC Partner States skills in disaster management and will offer humanitarian assistance to the population.

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