EASF Opens 36th Policy Organs Meetings in Kampala

Kampala, Uganda, 10 August 2026 - The Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) has opened the Experts Working Group (EWG) Meeting in Kampala, marking the commencement of the 36th Policy Organs Meetings aimed at strengthening regional peace and security, institutional governance and operational readiness.

The three-day meeting brings together experts from EASF Member States to review key institutional and policy matters and develop recommendations for consideration by the Eastern Africa Committee of Chiefs of Defense and Security and, ultimately, the Council of Ministers of Defense.

Speaking as Guest of Honor, the Chief of Joint Staff of the Uganda Peoples’ Defense Forces (UPDF), Lieutenant General Jack Bakasumba, welcomed EASF delegations to Uganda and underscored the importance of regional and continental mechanisms in addressing Africa’s peace and security challenges.

He emphasized the principle of African solutions to African problems and the role of the African Standby Force in supporting peace and stability on the continent.

EASF Director, Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga, thanked the Government of Uganda for hosting the meetings and called for stronger governance, sustainable financing and enhanced operational readiness.

He noted that Eastern Africa faces an increasingly complex security environment, including terrorism and violent extremism, transnational organised crime, maritime insecurity, cyber threats, humanitarian crises and the effects of climate change.

“Operational readiness alone is not enough. A capable regional mechanism must also be supported by sound governance, sustainable financing, effective oversight and a professional workforce,” Brig Gen Rwivanga said.

The Chairperson of the EASF Experts Working Group, Brig Gen Emmanuel Kazahura, emphasized the importance of technical expertise, objective analysis and informed decision-making in strengthening the Organization.

He urged delegates to engage constructively and develop practical recommendations capable of guiding the higher Policy Organs and strengthening EASF as an effective regional peace and security mechanism.

Key agenda items include the proposed Terms of Reference for the Committees on Resource Mobilization and Donor Engagement and Audit and Administrative Affairs, as well as amendments to the EASF Service Regulations and other operational and institutional matters.

The meeting will conclude with the adoption and signing of the EWG report, which will inform subsequent deliberations of the Chiefs of Defense and Security and the Council of Ministers of defense.