CDF GEN DAVID MUHOOZI AND OTHER OFFICIALS AT THE SUMMIT
UPDF Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen David Muhoozi has notified officials from the East African Community member states who are gathered in Kampala that the region is growingly becoming “fragile” due to increased emergence of conflicts.

East Africa and neighboring states continue to grapple with conflicts waged by extremists, militia groups and political dissidents.

The conflicts are visible in Central African Republic, Somalia, South Sudan, Eastern DRC and North Eastern Nigeria among others.

Addressing the East Africa Community (EAC) Consultative Committee on Cooperation in Defence at the Pearl of African Hotel in Kampala Thursday, Gen Muhoozi said the region is still faced with a complex set of Peace and Security challenges despite the mitigating mechanism put in place.

“You all know that in the past three decades, this region has witnessed a number of long-term, severe and in some cases, inter-related crises and violent conflicts,” he said.

“The current worrying trend, however, is the emergence of new conflicts and complex security challenges resulting in relapse of fragile States into a situation of instability.”

Gen Muhoozi also chaired the summit, where officials are gathering for the 27th meeting, focusing on joining efforts to bolster regional security.

Speaking at the same conference, the Deputy Secretary General of the EAC in-charge of Political Federation, Charles Njoroge praised the Partner States for sending delegates to attend this meeting of the Consultative Committee as part of the meetings of the Sectoral Council on Cooperation in Defence.

Njoroge appreciated all Partner States for ratifying the East African Community Protocol on Cooperation in Defence Affairs and embarking on formulation and negotiation of an East African Community Mutual Defence Pact.

“It is indeed a commendable achievement towards a wider and deeper cooperation on Defence affairs within our Community,” he said.

On his part, CDF Muhoozi expressed appreciation for the presence of representative of Chiefs of Defence Staff.

Gen Muhoozi commended the Sectoral Committee for putting together the good report and also thanked the Secretary General and his team for the preliminary background papers that formed the basis of this work.