Uganda partners with Kenyan security agency on disaster preparedness
Julius Luwemba
Journalist @New Vision
___________________ A team from Kenya together with their counterparts in Uganda having a photo moment after signing a memorandum of understanding between the Lake Victoria Regional Local Authorities Cooperation and the International Peace Support Training Centre at Entebbe municipal council on Tuesday
Uganda, through LVRLAC, a network of local governments around Lake Victoria, has sealed a partnership with Kenya's International Peace Support Training Centre (IPSTC).
The partnership between the Lake Victoria Regional Local Authorities Co-operation (LVRLAC) and IPSTC signed on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, is aimed at improving the effectiveness of the response to complex emergencies.
The MOU is expected to see several trainings about hostile environment awareness, conflict management, child protection, maritime security, and disaster management among other mutually agreed areas, happen.
The joint partnership will also see the two parties conduct environmental conservation initiatives such as tree planting around the Lake Victoria basin and the adoption of forests and rivers. IPSTC is part of the Kenyan Defence Staff College, initially focused on training Kenyan Defence Forces for United Nations peacekeeping missions and later African Union peace support operations.
IPSTC director Brig. Joyce Sitienei said the two entities will ensure knowledge management and information sharing on peace and security.
"We recognise the importance and significance of Lake Victoria as a key resource specifically to the East African countries. The benefits that accrue from this lake not only feed and sustain the local communities but also cascade to the wide development of the region and the world at large," she stated.
Lt. Col. Robert Masaka, the staff officer in charge of plans and programmes, said as a training education and research centre aimed at protecting and harnessing the benefits of water bodies, IPSTC continuously conducts evidence-informed training on maritime security and the real economy.
"We further commit to undertaking research, training and education, environmental conservation, knowledge management and share information on areas of mutual interest that would promote peaceful coexistence and contribute to the development and sustainable management of existing resources," Masaka said.
Former Entebbe municipality mayor Stephen Kabuye, also a founder chairperson of LVRLAC, expressed concerns over the environmental degradation and current patterns of climate change. According to him, these ought to be addressed by all means at all fronts. He lauded the newly formed partnership, expressing optimism that the intended programmes will go a long way in addressing accidents and environmental incidents on Lake Victoria as a shared resource.
Entebbe municipality deputy mayor Charles Kabwama pledged continued support towards all sustainable activities and programmes geared towards the preservation of Lake Victoria and its catchment area.
"Known for its serene environment due to its proximity to Lake Victoria, Entebbe is a shoreline of hotel and tourism developments. The lake is our unique identity and we, therefore, must protect it by all means," Kabwama stated.
Emmanuel Serunjogi, the mayor of Kawempe division, who also doubles as the LVRLAC chairperson, Uganda chapter said, the partnership which takes immediate effect, will run up to 2027. He explained that all local governments around Lake Victoria will benefit by sending representatives to the Kenyan training institute for training in disaster management and response.
"This will help us build a team of life savers in case of water-related accidents and researchers on matters of environmental conservation and hygiene," Serunjogi stated.
According to programmes coordinator Mercy Sebuliba, LVRLAC was founded in 1997 by major cities and municipalities within the Lake Victoria region, with an overall objective of mobilising and facilitating member local authorities to work towards a coordinated and sustained utilisation of the lake as a shared resource.
It currently has a network of over 400 local authorities in the East African basin of Lake Victoria notably, Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
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