By The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has launched the Final Planning Conference (FPC) for the upcoming Command Post Exercise (CPX) OKOA MAISHA, a large-scale disaster response simulation aimed at strengthening the country’s emergency preparedness and inter-agency coordination.
The three-day conference, which began yesterday at the Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability (HQ URDC) headquarters in Jinja, was officially opened by Brigadier General Earnest Nuwagaba, Commander HQ URDC and Director of the Exercise.
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Speaking at the opening session, Brig Gen Nuwagaba emphasized that the CPX seeks to test the readiness of UPDF and HQ URDC to respond effectively to disasters within a 72-hour window.
“This simulation is based on real scenarios from disaster-prone areas in the Elgon sub-region. It is designed to enhance operational capabilities and staff competencies, ensuring that Uganda can handle emergencies with speed and precision,” Brig Gen Nuwagaba said.
He noted that OKOA MAISHA involves key players from the military, police, government ministries, and other strategic agencies, highlighting that joint participation is vital to improving communication, coordination, decision-making, and overall mission success.
The FPC is the last phase in the planning cycle, following the Initial and Main Planning Conferences, as well as a Tabletop Exercise held in March 2025, whose lessons have been integrated into the current strategy.
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Among the high-level participants are Brig Gen Akiiki Rugadya from the Office of the Prime Minister; Brig Gen Flavia Byekwaso, Chief of Staff at HQ URDC; Brig Gen Michael Ssozi Ssesanga, Commandant of the Non-Commissioned Officers Academy; Senior Superintendent of Police Bosco Arop, Deputy Commandant of the Police Senior Command and Staff College; Senior Superintendent of Prisons Doreen Asiimwe from Uganda Prisons; Mr. Simunyu Jacob from Immigration; and Mr. Gidoi Charles, Principal Assistant Chief Administrative Officer of Bulambuli District.
The CPX OKOA MAISHA will simulate a coordinated disaster response operation, testing Uganda’s ability to mobilize rapidly and execute joint missions during emergencies. The exercise is expected to reinforce Uganda’s capacity to respond to natural disasters, save lives, and mitigate the impact of crises through unified command structures and inter-agency cooperation.
