Opening of the FBI Undercover Training Course in East Africa

I would like to welcome you to the opening of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Undercover Training Course for East Africa.

Now more than ever in this era of interconnected economies and interests, it is crucial for countries to cooperate in the fight against terrorism and crime.  To do this, we must share our knowledge, share our resources, and - most of all - share our commitment to justice and security. 

The United States, Uganda, and Kenya have always been strong partners in the fight against terrorism. 
One of the most effective ways we can continue to fight against the fear and instability caused by international crime and terrorism is through good, old fashioned, police work.

Working undercover is one of the most challenging and dangerous assignments a police officer can ever accept.  But, with great risks come great rewards.  

The FBI and the Ugandan Police Force personnel here today have joined forces to deliver the first ever Undercover Training Course in East Africa.

With us today are twenty-two experienced instructors from both the FBI and various U.S. police forces, and they enthusiastically look forward to training seventeen Kenyan Police and fifteen UPF officers in undercover operations.

This training will focus on methods to infiltrate the terrorist and criminal organizations that threaten to destabilize the region, hinder economic growth, and that put all of our citizens in danger.  During the course, the FBI will show you how to build your undercover identities.  This will make the officers safer and more effective at bringing down organizations that threaten the safety of our communities.

The graduates of this course will be eligible to participate in undercover officer exchange programs with the United States and other East African countries.

Such exchange programs allow participating law enforcement agencies to meet two goals:  First, to match the undercover officers to the group targeted for infiltration; and, second, to coordinate efforts to combat regional and transnational terrorist and criminal organizations.

The FBI has provided this same undercover training program in many countries around the world.  But they have never done so with as many officers as you see here today. 

The willingness of Uganda, Kenya, and the United States to work together on a project this sensitive, this large, and this important is a powerful indicator of the strength of our cooperation and the growing confidence we have in this partnership to fight terrorism and crime.   The United States is committed to supporting the professionalization of East Africa’s police and security forces.  Together, we will build a better future for us all.

Thank you all for your participation in this important program, and for the courage you show in serving the nations you represent.