KAMPALA- Top Army chiefs from East African countries are gathering in Entebbe to discuss strategies for enhancing their capacity to support member states affected by natural disasters.
The meeting comes on the heels of the region’s susceptibility to devastating natural disasters, including floods, droughts, and landslides. These calamities have resulted in significant loss of life and displacement of communities.
Most recently, Uganda’s Bulambuli district was hit by a tragic landslide that claimed over 100 lives. According to Brigadier General David Gonyi on behalf of UPDF, has emphasised the importance of regional collaboration in tackling humanitarian and disaster crises.
He explained that the meeting’s primary aim is to strengthen the East African Standby Force as a viable option for member states in disaster management.
“The need for us to work together, the need to bring different capabilities together; because different individuals, different countries, different agencies, have different capabilities. Bringing them together and synergising those efforts, is what can make us an effective team,” said Brig Gen Gonyi.
Gonyi, has said that by pooling their expertise, resources, and experiences, the regional army chiefs aim to devise more robust strategies for supporting communities ravaged by natural disasters.
The Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) has long been a cornerstone of regional peace and security initiatives. Nevertheless, collaborative efforts in disaster response have been lacking.
He reiterated President Yoweri Museveni’s message on the importance of patriotism and pan-Africanism as vital strategies for fostering unity and addressing humanitarian challenges. “These principles are vital for addressing humanitarian and disaster challenges, which demand a spirit of cooperation that transcends borders and identities,” he added.
Brig Gen Gonyi stressed that the workshop’s primary aim was to strengthen the East African Standby Force as a viable option for member states in disaster management. He encouraged delegates to seize the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy by contributing to the development of a comprehensive disaster response plan.
Mr Eric Swaleh, a consultant for the workshop, highlighted the workshop’s significance in disaster and emergency management, underlining the need to validate capabilities for effective response and prevent negative outcomes.
