Museveni Calls for Stronger EASF to Address Regional Security Challenges

Entebbe, 13 August 2026 - Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has pledged to support efforts to strengthen the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) after meeting its new commander, Brig. Gen. Ronald Rwivanga, in Entebbe.

Rwivanga briefed Museveni on the force’s activities and efforts to develop stronger regional mechanisms for maintaining peace and security. Museveni, who currently chairs the East African Community, said he would engage other regional leaders to reinforce the EASF and work toward convening its General Assembly, which has not met since 2014.

The Ugandan president also highlighted the need to ensure the force has adequate equipment and capabilities to respond to security threats, disasters and humanitarian emergencies affecting the region.

Established in 2004, the EASF comprises military, police and civilian components and forms one of the five regional elements of the African Standby Force. It is responsible for planning, coordinating and leading peace-support operations in Eastern Africa.

Brig. Gen. Rwivanga is set to lead the EASF for the next three years. His headquarters is in Nairobi, Kenya, where he began his mandate in May 2026.