East African Standby Force begins verification exercise of Uganda’s pledged forces for regional peace missions
The exercise, running from August 6 to 8, 2026, is being conducted in line with the approved EASF Activity Plan for 2026 and the regional force’s goal of maintaining a multidimensional capacity prepared for rapid deployment
Kampala, August 6, 2026 — The Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) has commenced a three-day Force Verification Exercise in Uganda aimed at assessing the country’s readiness to support regional peace support operations.
The exercise, running from August 6 to 8, 2026, is being conducted in line with the approved EASF Activity Plan for 2026 and the regional force’s goal of maintaining a multidimensional capacity prepared for rapid deployment.
The verification follows a formal request by the EASF to the Government of Uganda and is guided by the EASF Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Pledged Forces for Deployment, which requires member states to provide personnel and equipment necessary to fulfil the force’s objectives.
A delegation led by EASF Director Brigadier General Ronald Rwivanga and Force Commander Brigadier General Stephen Maina Huria was received by the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Chief of Joint Staff, Lieutenant General Jack Bakasumba, at the Ministry of Defence Headquarters in Mbuya.
Lt Gen Bakasumba reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to promoting peace and security on the African continent, highlighting the importance of cooperation among EASF member states in addressing emerging security challenges.
He pointed to Uganda’s continued role in supporting peace efforts in Somalia as an example of its dedication to African-led security initiatives, especially amid planned reductions in support from international partners to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
“Uganda is committed to the African purpose, anchored in firm political will and inspired by the Pan-African spirit. We pledge continued active participation in joint security endeavours, working together for a stable and prosperous Africa,” Lt Gen Bakasumba said.
He assured the verification team of the readiness of Uganda’s pledged military personnel, police contingents, civilian experts, and equipment to support EASF operations when required.
Brig Gen Rwivanga commended Uganda for its continued support to the regional security mechanism, particularly through timely financial contributions. He said the verification exercise was critical in ensuring the EASF maintains a credible and capable force.
“Uganda’s dedication demonstrates the spirit of freedom, solidarity, and collective responsibility,” Rwivanga said, noting that the changing security environment, including transnational threats and recurring disasters, requires stronger cooperation and interoperability among member states
Meanwhile, the Deputy Inspector General of Police, James Ocaya, received the EASF delegation to verify Uganda Police Force capabilities pledged for future deployments.
Ocaya reaffirmed the police force’s readiness to participate in regional peace support operations, noting that personnel earmarked for deployment have completed mandatory pre-deployment training, including International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law courses.
The verification exercise will assess Uganda’s police and civilian capabilities on August 6, while military capabilities will be evaluated on August 7 and 8.
The Eastern Africa Standby Force, established under the African Union Peace and Security Architecture, comprises nine member states: Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, Sudan, and Uganda.
