Uganda Strengthens Disaster Preparedness With Okoa Maisha 25 Exercise
The Command Post Exercise codenamed ‘Okoa Maisha 25’ concluded on 3 September 2025 at the Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability (URDC) Headquarters in Jinja.
Hon. Hillary Onek, Minister of Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, officiated as Chief Guest and praised participants for their dedication and expertise in advancing Uganda’s disaster resilience efforts.
Hon. Onek applauded the diligence and flexibility shown during scenario planning, coordination and operational reviews, reaffirming Uganda’s leadership in humanitarian response and peace support operations. He described the exercise as vital in sharpening national capabilities against the constant threat of disasters.
Highlighting the National Policy for Disaster Preparedness and Management, he said: “Let each of us emerge from this exercise reinvigorated in our mandates and inspired by the spirit of service, a service rooted in professionalism, compassion, and unwavering resolve.”
Hon. Gen Katumba Wamala, Minister of Works and Transport, stressed the importance of collaboration, noting the exercise’s reminder to national leaders to “prepare not just in silos but in collaboration.” He also called for critical investment in disaster preparedness equipment.
Hon. Huda Oleru, Minister of State for Defence in charge of Veterans Affairs, emphasised the exercise’s role in exposing gaps and reinforcing the need for coordinated action across all stakeholders.
Brigadier Emmanuel Kanyesigye, Cantonment Commander, Jinja Cantonment, speaking on behalf of the UPDF Chief of Staff, underscored the army’s commitment to building collaborative and community-driven disaster response frameworks.
Brig Gen Ernest Nuwagaba, Commandant of URDC, urged greater investment in preparedness infrastructure, streamlined communication and enhanced cross-sector training.
‘Okoa Maisha 25’ forms part of a broader series on disaster management and response, following a Table Top Exercise held in March 2025, and will culminate in a Field Training Exercise later this year.
The closing ceremony was attended by delegations from government ministries, departments and agencies, as well as officials from Bulambuli District Local Government, among others.
