Hundreds of Rwandan and Burundi troops have arrived in the country for joint military training exercises geared towards the formation of the first Joint East African Military Force.

The soldiers travelling by road caused excitement among residents of Kabale after crossing the border on Monday. They were received by Mr Shaffik Sekandi, the Kabale deputy resident district commissioner and Mr Musa Rwenduru, the deputy district internal security officer.

The Rwandan troops were led by Maj. Joseph Mabaano and the batch from Burundi by Brig. John Ndikumaana. The training, which will also have troops from Kenya and Tanzania with experts from the US, will be conducted in Kitgum. Mr Sekandi told Daily Monitor that Rwanda and Burundi have sent 128 and 133 soldiers respectively.

"We are also expecting to receive soldiers from Kenya and Tanzania anytime before Tuesday (yesterday) to join their Ugandan counterparts before the training kicks off," he added.

Last week, the UPDF said it supports the formation of a joint regional army, believing this will handle conflicts in the region.

The proposal was mooted during a meeting of delegates from the five member countries in Kampala early this month.

UPDF Political Commissar Col. Phenihas Katirima said such a force will go a long way in maintaining peace and security in the region.