The Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) has commenced a three-day Force Verification Exercise in Uganda, running from 6–8 August 2026, as part of its 2026 Activity Plan aimed at maintaining a multidimensional force ready for peace support operations.
Conducted under the EASF Memorandum of Understanding on Pledged Forces for Deployment, the exercise assesses Uganda’s pledged military, police, civilian personnel and equipment to ensure operational readiness for rapid deployment.
The EASF delegation, led by Director Brigadier Ronald Rwivanga and Force Commander Brigadier General Stephen Maina Huria, was received by Lieutenant General Jack Bakasumba, Chief of Joint Staff of the Uganda Peoples’ Defense Forces (UPDF), at the Ministry of Defense Headquarters in Mbuya.
Lt Gen Bakasumba reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to African peace and security, emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation in addressing evolving security challenges. He highlighted Uganda’s continued support to peace operations in Somalia and assured the verification team of the readiness of the country’s pledged capabilities under the EASF framework.
Brig Gen Rwivanga commended Uganda for its steadfast support to the regional bloc, including its consistent financial contributions. He noted that force verification exercises are essential in ensuring a credible, interoperable and deployable regional capability capable of responding to transnational threats, conflicts and disasters.
The exercise will verify police and civilian capabilities on 6 August, followed by military capabilities on 7 and 8 August, reinforcing Uganda’s contribution to regional peace, security and stability through the Eastern Africa Standby Force.
