JINGA, UGANDA- Ugandans hosted a cultural day that was held at the Source of the Nile, the longest river in Africa, March 12. Participants sailed atsunset on the river that flows through 11 countries with the breeze on the faces and shared traditional songs, dance and tribal garb. The
Burundi and Rwandan Soldiers performed their dance of peace with white dinner napkins, while American Soldierssang karaoke and line danced. One thing we all share in common is dancing, which brought people together and it was something they all could appreciate.
Service members enjoyed all the traditional matoke, grilled goat, BBQ goat, braised goat, and rice. "This is the best goat we've ever had," said Brig. Gen. Matthew Gureme, Chief of Staff of the Uganda Rapid Deployment Capabilities Center.
It wasn't just during cultural day Soldiers were consumed by the African time-honored foods, it was plentiful the whole trip and fresh from the fields as well.
Cultural day had the vibe reminiscent of an American-style family reunion complete with enjoyable summertime activities.
Not only sharing our similarities and differences in culture and political views, Uganda is going through a female integration as the Army is transitioning forward to Army 2020. The Army has begun to select and train Soldiers, regardless of gender, if a female can do the job to the same standard as a male, then she will be selected for the job.
Alice Karekezi, senior lecturer at the University of Rwanda, affirms, "Female integration will take time, because we are talking about transforming social structures. The combination of long held gender norms and biological conditions of women makes integration something we need to learn to be patient with."
Our African partners are now modeling these concepts after the U.S. Army and opening the doors for female leadership. For example, females are being selected as police commissioners. "A new emphasis at the top level on gender mainstreaming has pressure on the Rwanda Defence Force to recruit more female personnel," explained Mrs. Karekezi.
This novelty has been on-going for the last twenty years in Rwanda. These were just some the shared realities the Soldiers got to experience with our partners.
An uncommon and unexpected reunion happened to two American Soldiers. When Sgt. Baharanyi fled from Africa in 2000, he never looked back. He saw two of his college buddies from the National University of Rwanda, across the parade field. They currently serve in the Rwandan Defense Force, Capt. V. Mwebaze, a law school instructor and Capt. P. Mutzbazi, Air Force instructor.
Sgt. Baharanyi said, "I never thought the Army would send me here of all places. I saw my friends across the ceremony field and I was so happy, it was such a spontaneous moment; and hopefully we can keep in touch," Sgt. Baharanyi concluded.
Another rekindling of friendships occurred between, Col. Chip Daniels and his colleague Lt. Col. Elie Bukuru from the Burundi Army. They unexpectantly met up, exchanging of pleasantries and asking how each other's families were doing. They met in 2013 at the Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania.
Brig. Gen. Kenneth Moore, Jr., deputy commander of U.S. Army Africa expressed the U.S. committement to strengthening our relationships with African partners. These are the exact type of professional development and professional relationships we will keep with us," he said.
Maliza Ugaidi 15/ Eastern Accord 15 closed with a traditional ceremony with lowering the nation's flags. Soldiers and partners are preparing for their journey back to their homes.
This dynamic process and future development of relationships will further build our capacity and serve for potential growth in future accord series. The Army undoubtedly is a multinational and multidimensional element.
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