The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs,  Jacob Oboth-Oboth, has reiterated Uganda’s commitment to supporting the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) in fulfilling its mandate.

 “As the Government of Uganda and the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, we are here to support and ensure that EASF fulfils its mandate," the minister said.

He made the remarks as he met the Director of the Eastern Africa Standby Force, Brigadier General (Rtd) Paul Kahuria Njema, at the headquarters of the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA) in Mbuya.

Oboth commended the Force for its efforts in realising its mandate, which includes early warning, prevention, management, and resolution of conflicts.

The Minister lauded the development partners of EASF, represented by Jens Lindvig, the Danish Defence Attaché to Kenya, who chairs the Friends of EASF, especially in terms of funding.

Brigadier General (Rtd) Paul Kahuria Njema, on his part, acknowledged Uganda’s unwavering support towards EASF.

He said, “Uganda has been a valuable partner in EASF, and we appreciate your continuous support. Uganda stands for a united Africa, an Africa that is one, and it can only be one when we bring our resources to work together towards a common objective.”

The Minister and his guest urged the EASF Member States to fulfil their obligations to enhance African solutions for African problems.

The meeting was attended by Mrs. Rossette Byengoma Permanent Secretary of the MODVA, Major General Jackson Bakasumba Chief of Joint Staff, Brigadier General Alex Olupot Joint Staff Training and Doctrine, and Brigadier General Gaetano Omola the Commandant Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability Centre (URDCC).