Uganda has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives through stronger disaster management mechanisms following the successful conclusion of the Command Post Exercise (CPX) Okoa Maisha 25, held at the Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability (URDC) Headquarters in Jinja.
The exercise, themed “Disaster Response and Management: Coordination Mechanisms Among Different Actors for Rapid Response Within 12 Hours,” emphasized Uganda’s growing recognition that disaster response requires a multisectoral approach involving government ministries, security forces, humanitarian organizations, and local governments.
Hon. Hillary Onek, Minister of Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, officiated as Chief Guest and applauded participants for their dedication. He emphasized the need for continuous professionalism, compassion, and resolve, reminding stakeholders that disaster preparedness is a shared responsibility.
Hon. Gen. Katumba Wamala, Minister of Works and Transport, stressed the danger of working in silos, urging collective planning and sustained investment in disaster-response equipment.
Hon. Huda Oleru, Minister of State for Defence in charge of Veterans Affairs, said the exercise helped expose operational gaps and reinforced the urgency of cross-sectoral cooperation.
Brigadier Emmanuel Kanyesigye, Cantonment Commander Jinja, representing the UPDF Chief of Staff, reaffirmed the army’s readiness to support community-based disaster frameworks and ensure security in emergency environments.
Uganda has repeatedly confronted emergencies that tested its resilience—from the destructive landslides in the Elgon and Rwenzori regions to the health and socio-economic challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. These experiences have shown that no single institution can effectively manage crises alone.
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), Uganda Police Force, and Uganda Prisons Service have played frontline roles in disaster response, demonstrating their capacity to rapidly mobilize, enforce emergency measures, and support vulnerable communities. Their success in past interventions has given Uganda a strong foundation for developing a coordinated Disaster Management Task Force. Okoa Maisha 25 provided an opportunity to further refine these capabilities.
