Gen Muhoozi Takes Over As The Commander Of The East African Standby Force

The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth, on Wednesday received a delegation from the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) during a courtesy visit at the Ministry headquarters in Mbuya.

 

The delegation was led by Brig. Gen. (Rtd) Paul Kahuria Njema, Director of the EASF, who called on the minister for a familiarisation meeting following Uganda’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.

 

Following the transition, Hon. Oboth will assume the role of Chairperson of the EASF Council of Ministers, while Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, will take up the chairmanship of the Committee of East Africa Chiefs of Defence Staff.

 

During the meeting, Hon. Oboth acknowledged the critical role played by the regional force in promoting peace and stability across Eastern Africa and reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to advancing its objectives.

 

 

 

 

“Uganda remains committed to supporting and advancing the mission and objectives of the EASF,” said Hon. Oboth.

 

Brig. Gen. (Rtd) Njema explained that the visit was intended to familiarise Uganda’s leadership with its responsibilities as chair and to ensure continuity in the organisation’s work during the country’s tenure.

 

He conveyed condolences to Uganda following the recent loss of senior military officers and expressed appreciation for the country’s sustained cooperation with regional peace and security initiatives.

 

The EASF Director also underscored the importance of credible and transparent elections in preventing instability across the region.

 

“Many of the challenges we face in the region arise from election outcomes. When elections are conducted peacefully and transparently, we reduce the likelihood of post-election conflict,” he noted.

 

As part of the visit, the delegation officially presented instruments of authority to Uganda’s leadership to facilitate the country’s full assumption of its role at the helm of the organisation, following the earlier handover in Mogadishu.

 

Brig. Gen. Njema described Uganda as a key and longstanding contributor to the EASF’s mission and broader regional peace efforts.

 

Officials who attended the meeting included the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Mrs. Rosette Byenyoma; the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt Gen Sam Okiding; Brig. Gen. Stephen T. Kashure, Joint Chief of Staff at EASF; Mr. James Mutabazi, Under-Secretary – Air Force; and Mr. Stephen Komunda Sajja, Principal Human Resource Officer.