The Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth, Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, on Wednesday hosted a high-level delegation from the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) at the Ministry’s headquarters in Mbuya, marking Uganda’s formal assumption of the Force’s chairmanship.
The delegation was led by Brig Gen (Rtd) Paul Kahuria Njema, who visited to familiarise Uganda’s leadership with its responsibilities following the country’s assumption of the EASF chairmanship in December 2025.
The leadership transition was formalised during the 35th Ordinary Policy Organs Meeting held in Mogadishu, Somalia.
Under the new leadership arrangement, Minister Oboth-Oboth assumes the role of Chairperson of the EASF Council of Ministers, while Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces will chair the Committee of East Africa Chiefs of Defence Staff.
During the meeting, Oboth-Oboth acknowledged the EASF’s critical role in promoting peace, security, and stability across the Eastern Africa region, reaffirming Uganda’s commitment to advancing the Force’s mission.
He emphasized that regional cooperation remains central to sustainable peace.
“Uganda remains committed to supporting and advancing the mission and objectives of the EASF,” he said, noting the country’s long-standing partnership with regional mechanisms that foster collective security and conflict prevention.
Njema highlighted the visit’s purpose: to ensure a smooth leadership transition and continuity in EASF programmes during Uganda’s tenure.
He also expressed condolences to Uganda following the recent loss of senior military officers and commended the country for its sustained cooperation in regional peace initiatives.
The EASF Director further emphasized the importance of credible and peaceful electoral processes in reducing conflict across the region, noting that post-election disputes are a major source of instability in Eastern Africa.
As part of the engagement, the delegation officially presented instruments of authority to Uganda’s leadership, formalizing the country’s full assumption of its role at the helm of the organisation.
Njema described Uganda as a key contributor to EASF’s mission, underlining its leadership in peace support operations and regional security cooperation initiatives.
The meeting was attended by senior government and defence officials, including Ms Rosette Byenyoma, the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, and Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt Gen Sam Okiding.
