Uganda armoury experts attend small arms training in Kampala / EAC Treaty recognizes peace and security as pre-requisite for the region’s stability
KAMPALA, Uganda, November 30, 2009/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The Uganda National Focal Point (NFP) organized a two-day small arms training for about 30 armoury supervisors between November 26 and 27 in Kampala, according to East African Community (EAC) Peace and Security Co-ordinator, Mr Leonard Onyonyi. The training was undertaken within the context of the EAC/Regional Centre for Small Arms and the East and Southern African Conflict Prevention Management and Resolution (CPMR)/ Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) programme funded by the European Union (EU).
He added that between November 30 and December 4, about 50 armoury officers drawn from Uganda Defence Forces (UPDF), Police, Prisons, Uganda Wildlife Authority will also attend similar training.
Mr Onyonyi said that the training would focus on Stockpile Management, Security, Record Keeping, Marking and Tracing and Weapons Identification.
Peace and security are prerequisites for the achievement of the objectives of the EAC. This is acknowledged by the Treaty Establishing the EAC in Article 124.
The EAC agreed on the EAC Regional Strategy for Peace and Security in 2006 and has from this time on put strong emphasis on the development of capacities, policies and mechanisms for conflict prevention, conflict resolution and support to good governance.
”Having focused on economic integration for a long time, the EAC recognises the fact that economic integration can only be based on stability and security in the region,” stated Mr Onyonyi.
The unchecked dissemination of illicit small arms and light weapons plays a major role in creating instability in the region.
SOURCE
East African Community (EAC)
