DEFENCE AND SECURITY CITIZEN OUTREACH PROGRAMME 2025 AND EAC ARMED FORCES CIMIC WEEK OFFICIALLY CLOSED

Kigali, 3 July 2025

The Defence and Security Citizen Outreach Programme 2025, which has been conducted across Rwanda over the past three months, officially concluded today. The event coincided with the closing of the 5th East African Community (EAC) Armed Forces Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) Week, held in Rwanda from 29th June to 3rd July 2025. 
The closing ceremonies were held across various districts and presided over by senior government officials, joined by the EAC Secretary General H.E. Veronica Mueni Nduva who witnessed medical services at Kibungo Level 2 Teaching Hospital in Ngoma District. Also senior military officials from Armed from EAC partner states were present.

Over the past three months, the Outreach Programme has addressed a wide range of human security challenges, delivering tangible results. These include free medical services provided to more than 41,868 patients, the construction of 13 bridges, 70 houses for vulnerable families, rehabilitation and development of water supply systems, construction of 10 Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres, and financial support to cooperatives formerly engaged in illegal cross-border activities.

In related development, the 5th EAC Armed Forces CIMIC Week. Military personnel from EAC partner states, together with RDF, RNP, and local authorities, delivered free medical services at Kibungo Level 2 Teaching Hospital and Nyanza District Hospital, treating more than 4000 patients.
The EAC Armed Forces personnel provided other infrastructure development essentials to contribute to community development, reflecting the spirit of regional solidarity and cooperation among EAC partner states.

The ceremonies were attended by high-level military officials from EAC partner states, including:
Brig Gen Gaspard Baratuza, the Burundian Armed Forces Spokesperson and Chief of CIMIC, Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga, the Commander of UPDF Land Forces. Somalia was represented by Brig Gen Madey Nurey Sheikh ( Ufurow), Chief of Staff. Kenya was represented by Maj Gen Frederick Leuria, the Assistant Chief of Defence Forces, Kenyan Defence Forces while Tanzania was represented by Maj Gen Amri Salim Mwami- TPDF Chief of Medical Services.