Chiefs of Defense and Security Meet in Kampala for 36th EASF Policy Organs Session

Kampala, Uganda – 13 August 2026 – The 36th Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) Policy Organs Meetings continued in Kampala on Thursday with the opening of the Committee of Chiefs of Defense and Security (EACDS), bringing together senior military leaders from across Eastern Africa to deliberate on regional security priorities and the future readiness of the Force.

The one-day meeting is considering key strategic and operational matters, including recommendations from the Experts Working Group and strategic planning documents. Its recommendations will be submitted to the EASF Council of Ministers of Defense for consideration on 14 August 2026. 

Opening the session, Uganda’s State Minister for Defense, H.E. Hon. Akifeza Grace, welcomed the delegations and reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to regional peace, security and stability. She noted that evolving threats, including violent extremism, maritime insecurity, organized crime and climate-related risks, require stronger cooperation, strategic foresight and coordinated regional responses. 

She also paid tribute to the late Djibouti Minister of Defense, H.E. Hassan Omar Mohamed Bourhan, who passed away on 16 July 2026, conveying condolences to the Government and people of Djibouti and his family. 

The meeting is chaired by Uganda’s Chief of Defense Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who emphasized the importance of maintaining credible, interoperable and deployable regional capabilities. He highlighted the successful completion of the EASF Force Verification Exercise in Uganda, which assessed pledged military, police and civilian capabilities and readiness. 

General Kainerugaba stressed that preparedness must be sustained through continuous planning, multinational exercises, common standards and interoperability, particularly as the regional and continental peace and security environment continues to evolve. 

EASF Director Brig. Gen. Ronald Rwivanga, said the meeting would consider governance, resource mobilization, service regulations, operational preparedness and the regional security situation. He highlighted progress under the EASF Strategic Plan 2026–2030, including capability verification, development of the Humanitarian Assistance and Natural Disaster Support framework, enhanced partnerships and expanded training programmes. 

He further called for renewed political commitment to EASF, including support for convening the Summit of Heads of State and Government, which has not met since 2016. 

Delegates reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening EASF cooperation and advancing peace, security and stability across Eastern Africa.