The Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) has reinforced its commitment to inclusive peacebuilding and regional stability through a two-week Women in Mediation Course aimed at strengthening the role of women in conflict prevention, dialogue, and peace processes across Eastern Africa.
The training, held in Entebbe, brought together participants from EASF member states including Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, Sudan, and Uganda.
The programme focused on equipping participants with practical mediation, negotiation, and leadership skills to support peacebuilding initiatives within their respective countries and institutions.
Speaking during the closing ceremony, the Chief of Staff-Air Force of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), Brig Gen David Gonyi, praised the initiative as a strategic investment in sustainable peace and regional cooperation.
He said the training reflected a growing recognition of the critical contribution women make in conflict resolution and stabilisation efforts, particularly within communities affected by insecurity and social instability.
“The leadership views this training as a great co-investment in enhancing women’s role in conflict prevention, stabilisation, and peacebuilding,” he said.
“We therefore encourage you to carry forward the knowledge and skills acquired from the course and continue serving as exemplary ambassadors of discipline, unity, and peace.”
Brig Gen Gonyi noted that contemporary security challenges now extend beyond conventional military threats and increasingly involve broader human security concerns such as food insecurity, environmental pressures, and social instability.
He stressed that mediation remains a vital instrument in addressing such challenges and supporting long-term peace operations.
Referencing remarks by President Museveni, Brig Gen Gonyi said security must be understood beyond the use of force alone.
“Security is not just about guns. It is about the stability of society, the unity of the people, and the elimination of the causes of conflict,” he said.
Brig Gen Gonyi further emphasised that women continue to play an essential role in peacebuilding efforts globally, noting that women often help build trust within conflict-affected communities and contribute to more durable peace agreements.
“The role of women in leadership and peacebuilding is not an option; it is central to world transformation,” he said.
The senior military officer also highlighted the continued relevance of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, which advocates for women’s full participation in peace and security processes.
According to him, the objectives of the training align closely with Sustainable Development Goals 5 and 16 on gender equality, peace, justice, and strong institutions.
Brig Gen Gonyi also pointed to Uganda’s progress in advancing women’s leadership, observing that several senior government positions are currently held by women as part of wider efforts to promote inclusive governance and equal opportunity in national development.
Brig Gen Gonyi urged participants to extend the impact of the training beyond the classroom by applying the acquired skills in their workplaces, communities, and national institutions while mentoring others in mediation and peacebuilding.
The course also received support from the Royal Kingdom of Denmark, which was recognised for its continued contribution towards regional peace and security initiatives.
Representing the Danish Ambassador, Ken Albert underscored the importance of ensuring women’s voices are fully included in peace and security discussions. He called on member states that have not yet implemented National Action Plans under the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 framework to prioritise their implementation.
Albert said the workshop was specifically designed to provide practical and context-based tools to strengthen women’s participation in EASF-supported dialogue, mediation, and negotiation processes.
The National Focal Point Person and Principal Human Resource Officer at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Stephen Komunda Sajja, commended participants for their active engagement throughout the programme and encouraged them to turn the lessons learned into practical action.
“I hope the ideas shared here do not remain in this room. Let us put into action what we have learned, whether in our homes, offices, communities, or institutions,” he said.
Also addressing the ceremony, Monalisa Kakono, the Course Coordinator and Head of the Civilian Component of the EASF, praised participants for their dedication and commitment during the training period.
“You have represented your nations very well. I am sure that we are all better than we came and are ready to be the change we want to see in the world,” she said.
Kakono encouraged participants to use the skills and experiences gained from the course to promote peace, unity, and cooperation across the region.
On behalf of the participants, Dr. Ghada Elhadi Yousif from Sudan described the programme as transformative, saying it had helped participants build strong partnerships and strengthen regional peace efforts.
“This course has been far more than an academic journey. It has been a transformative experience where we have built lasting partnerships and strengthened peace efforts across our countries,” she said.
Dr. Yousif said participants were committed to applying the mediation skills and knowledge acquired during the training to support reconciliation, dialogue, and sustainable peace within their communities.
The Women in Mediation Course forms part of broader efforts by the EASF to strengthen regional peace support mechanisms while promoting inclusive participation in mediation and conflict resolution processes across Eastern Africa.
