The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth, has received a delegation from the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) at the ministry headquarters in Mbuya, marking Uganda’s formal assumption of the organisation’s chairmanship.
The delegation was led by Brig. Gen. (Rtd) Paul Kahuria Njema, Director of the EASF, who paid a familiarisation call following Uganda’s takeover of the chairmanship in December 2025. The leadership transition was formally endorsed during the 35th Ordinary Policy Organs Meeting held in Mogadishu, Somalia.
Under the new leadership arrangement, the Minister of Defence will serve as Chairperson of the EASF Council of Ministers, while the Chief of Defence Forces will chair the Committee of East Africa Chiefs of Defence Staff.
During the meeting, Hon. Oboth acknowledged the role of the EASF in promoting peace and stability across the region and reiterated Uganda’s commitment to supporting the organisation’s mandate.
“Uganda remains committed to supporting and advancing the mission and objectives of the EASF,” the minister said.
Brig. Gen. (Rtd) Njema said the visit was aimed at familiarising Uganda’s leadership with its responsibilities as chair and ensuring continuity in the organisation’s work during the tenure.
He conveyed condolences to Uganda following the recent loss of senior military officers and expressed appreciation for the country’s cooperation with regional peace and security initiatives.
The EASF Director also commended the conduct of Uganda’s recent elections, noting that credible and transparent polls are critical to preventing conflict in the region.
“Many of the challenges we face in the region stem from election outcomes. When elections are conducted peacefully and transparently, the risk of post-election conflict is significantly reduced,” he said.
As part of the visit, the delegation presented instruments of authority to Uganda’s leadership, completing the handover process that began during the Mogadishu meeting and paving the way for Uganda’s full assumption of leadership at the helm of the regional force.
