10th EAC Military and Cultural Event 2016 ongoing in Kigali, Rwanda

Participants follow the opening ceremony

East African Community Secretariat; Arusha, Tanzania; 09 August 2016: The Armed Forces of the EAC Partner States (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda) are staging the 10th Edition of the EAC Military Games and Cultural Event 2016 from 5th August to 18th August 2016 at the Amahoro National Stadium in Kigali, Rwanda.

Officiating at the official opening of the event on 8th August 2016, the Hon. Minister of Defence of the Republic of Rwanda, General James Kabarebe said it was an honour for Rwanda to host the event, which is another milestone in attaining a common vision for the region. General Kabarebe commended the Defence Forces of the Partner States for keeping alive the vision of the forefathers of the Community.

At the same occasion, the EAC Deputy Secretary General (Political Federation), Mr. Charles Njoroge, on behalf of Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko, the Secretary General of the East African Community said the Military Games and Culture Event was being organized within the framework of EAC Co-operation in Defence in accordance with Article 125 of the Treaty which included among others cultural exchanges and sports competitions to enhance co-operation and spirit of comradeship amongst Armed Forces of the EAC.

He informed the well-attended official opening ceremony of the Games that the implementation of the Protocol on Cooperation in Defense Affairs had been one of the most successful and exemplary programmes in the EAC integration process.

“We at the EAC Secretariat consider this to be a significant achievement and indicator of the good progress we are making in pushing the Integration agenda forward”, noted the DSG. He hailed the Chiefs of the EAC Partner States Defence Forces for their dedication and for the big strides made towards the realization of the aspirations of the Protocol on Cooperation in Defence Affairs and specifically for the elaborate programme they have put in place towards confidence building and solidarity of EAC Armed Forces.

The EAC official reiterated that peace and security were the prerequisites for social and economic development and with the rising security challenges world over, there was need to build strong Armed Forces within the EAC that can work together to face both the internal and external challenges to the development and progress of the Community.

“East Africans continue to look upon the Military to show the way forward especially towards the promotion of peace and solidarity and we must never fail them”, affirmed Mr. Njoroge.

Rwanda’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Patrick Nyamvumba welcomed the various contingents from the Partner States and reiterated Rwanda commitment to the regional integration process and the games and cultural events in particular.

The Deputy Chief of Uganda Peoples Defence Force, Lt. General Charles Angina is leading the Uganda contingent, Major General Issa Suleiman Nassor is heading the Tanzanian contingent, while Lt. General Joseph Kasaon, the Vice Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces is leading his country’s contingent.

More than 400 men and women in uniform are participating in the following Sporting Disciplines; Football (Men), Basketball (Men), Netball (Women), Handball (Men), Cross Country (Women), and Cross Country (Men).

The President of the Senate, Rt. Hon. Bernard Makuza officiated the opening footbal match in which the defending champion Rwanda lost to Kenya 1-0.