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14<br />
Bihanga Training Camp (BTC)<br />
Without doubt, when any international military force establishes a ‘start up’ mission, a military<br />
compound is an absolute must! For <strong>EUTM</strong> <strong>Somalia</strong>, the importance of developing a suitable base<br />
at the location of the ‘centre of gravity’ of the training effort in Bihanga became an immediate<br />
priority.<br />
In this case of the Bihanga Training Camp, situated far from Kampala in the western Ugandan district of<br />
Ibanda, building a suitable base posed quite a challenge. Initially, the most difficult issue turned out to<br />
be the speedy design of the compound, because the European trainers at the BTC needed a place to live<br />
in order to achieve their work.<br />
Here in Uganda, Europeans quickly understand that engineering standards, methods of construction,<br />
work patterns and time deadlines are very different from those which we are accustomed to at home!<br />
Furthermore, the transportation of the materials to Bihanga posed plenty of logistical headaches<br />
throughout the construction process. Right from the inception of the <strong>EUTM</strong> <strong>Somalia</strong> mission, Spanish<br />
military engineers have carefully managed these responsibilities, choosing and subsequently supervising<br />
local companies to partner <strong>EUTM</strong> <strong>Somalia</strong> in their quest.<br />
The construction of the Bihanga Training Camp was achieved in three phases. The first and the most<br />
important phase witnessed the principle works. The staff offices, ablutions, kitchen, dining hall, medical<br />
facilities, airstrip and the training facilities were completed during this period. In addition, extra<br />
dormitories at the UPDF base were provided in order to accommodate the new trainees, a key enabler in<br />
ensuring the commencement of training of the Somali recruits as per the schedule. The second phase (on<br />
confirmation of the second mandate), saw the construction of the European trainer’s dormitories, as well<br />
as improvements to the airstrip. Finally the third and ongoing phase involves continual maintenance of<br />
and improvements to the existing infrastructures, to make life as comfortable as possible for all.<br />
Nowadays in excess of 120 people can live comfortably and safely at our base and as our pictures show,<br />
<strong>EUTM</strong> <strong>Somalia</strong> can be immensely proud of its remarkable facility at Bihanga, a true oasis!<br />
A blank canvas……<br />
Construction in progress…<br />
BTC HQ offices take<br />
shape<br />
Phase 1 complete<br />
A home away from home
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