The Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) has commenced a Force Verification Exercise in Uganda, scheduled to run from 6 to 8 August 2026.
The exercise is in line with the approved EASF Activity Plan for 2026 and the strategic goal of maintaining a multidimensional capacity ready for peace support operations.
The UPDF said the verification follows a formal request from the EASF to the Republic of Uganda and is conducted in accordance with the EASF Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Pledged Forces for Deployment.
Article 2 of the MoU commits member states to make available personnel and equipment necessary for the accomplishment of the mission’s objectives.
Key officials from the EASF present in Uganda include Brigadier General Ronald Rwivanga, Director of EASF, and Brigadier General Stephen Maina Huria, Force Commander.
They were formally received by Lieutenant General Jack Bakasumba, the Chief of Joint Staff of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), at the Ministry of Defence Headquarters in Mbuya.
Lt Gen Bakasumba reiterated Uganda’s unwavering commitment to African peace and security, underscoring the importance of sustained cooperation among EASF member states in advancing African agency and strengthening continental resilience in addressing security challenges.
He highlighted the ongoing efforts to sustain Somalia’s peace support operations as a clear example, particularly in view of the planned withdrawals of United Nations and other international partners’ support to the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
“Uganda is committed to the African purpose, anchored in firm political will and inspired by the PanAfrican spirit. We pledge continued active participation in joint security endeavors, working together for a stable and prosperous Africa,” Lt Gen Bakasumba said.
He further assured the verification team of the readiness of the UPDF’s pledged troops, police contingents, civilian personnel, and equipment, reaffirming Uganda’s commitment to the Eastern Africa Standby Force.
The Director of the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF), Brigadier General Ronald Rwivanga, commended Uganda for its steadfast commitment to the EASF cause, particularly through its timely financial contributions to the regional bloc.
He further reiterated the commitment of the EASF to fulfilling its mandate and advancing the vision of a more stable and secure Africa.
“Uganda’s dedication demonstrates the spirit of freedom, solidarity, and collective responsibility,” he said, adding that verification exercises for personnel and equipment are essential to ensuring a credible and capable force for combined operations under the EASF.
He further noted that the rapidly evolving security environment, marked by transnational threats and recurring disasters across the region, requires collective preparedness and the development of an interoperable force to effectively address these challenges.
The exercise verified Uganda’s pledged police and civilian capabilities on August 6, followed by the verification of military capabilities scheduled for August 7 and 8.
This comprehensive process ensures readiness for rapid deployment in peace support operations and underscores Uganda’s steadfast commitment to regional peace and security under the EASF framework.
Countries making up the EASF
The Eastern Africa Standby Force is a regional security mechanism established under the African Union Peace and Security Architecture. It is composed of nine member states: Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, Sudan, and Uganda.
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