Uganda is hosting a three-day training on Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) and Conflict Analysis aimed at boosting regional capacity to detect, prevent, and address emerging security threats across the Horn of Africa and beyond.
The training has gathered participants from Uganda, Sudan, Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia, Comoros, and Burundi, as well as officials from key regional and continental organizations, including the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the African Union (AU), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF).
During the opening session in Kampala on Monday, Brigadier General Abdul Rugumayo, Deputy Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security, who represented the Chief of Joint Staff, emphasized the need for collaboration and timely intelligence sharing for regional stability.
“Timely, coordinated intelligence is essential for early warning and conflict mitigation. Working in isolation is no longer feasible. We must analyze information collectively to improve decision-making in situation rooms,” Rugumayo stated, underscoring Uganda’s proactive involvement under both the African Union and Regional Economic Communities. He added that misinformation and delays in intelligence sharing have often extended regional conflicts.
Brigadier General Domitien Kabisa, Head of Peace Operations at the EASF Secretariat, called the training a significant step in strengthening regional cooperation and analytical capabilities.
“This initiative demonstrates EASF’s commitment to operationalizing the African Union’s conflict prevention framework and enhancing the region’s capacity to identify and respond to crises at an early stage,” Kabisa said.
Representing the African Union, Orit Ibrahim, Situation Room Coordinator for the AU Continental Early Warning System (CEWS), highlighted the growing importance of OSINT in addressing complex threats like cross-border insurgencies, climate-induced insecurity, and disinformation.
“Utilizing open-source intelligence is crucial for developing reliable, real-time insights that guide policy and operational responses. This training showcases African-led collaboration in finding African solutions to African challenges,” Ibrahim noted.
Over the three days, participants will develop practical skills in open-source verification, geolocation, and data analysis, while fostering trust and enhancing interoperability among early warning units across the AU, Regional Economic Communities, and EASF.
The training also integrates OSINT tools into early warning systems, including horizon scanning, misinformation tracking, and situation room alerts.
This initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen Africa’s conflict prevention architecture, improving the operational effectiveness of regional peace and security mechanisms, and ensuring that governments and institutions can respond swiftly to emerging security challenges.