Regional force verification team visits Uganda Police Force headquarters

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The Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP), James Ocaya, on Thursday, August 7, 2026, received a delegation from the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF), which is in Uganda to verify the Uganda Police Force's pledged capabilities ahead of future deployment.

Uganda Police Force, in a statement, said the delegation was led by Brig. Gen. Ronald Rwivanga, the Director of EASF.

While addressing the delegation, Ocaya reaffirmed the Uganda Police Force's operational readiness and commitment to supporting regional peace support operations.

The Deputy Inspector General of Police, James Ocaya, addressing the meeting between the Uganda Police Force and senior officers of the East African Standby Force. (Credit: Police)

He emphasised that maintaining high levels of preparedness is essential to safeguarding the credibility and effectiveness of peacekeeping missions.

He informed the delegation that all personnel earmarked for deployment have successfully completed the mandatory pre-deployment training, including courses in International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and International Human Rights Law (IHRL), among other operational requirements.

The Deputy Inspector General of Police further reaffirmed the Uganda Police Force's commitment to continuing its support to the Eastern Africa Standby Force in all aspects whenever called upon.

On Thursday, EASF commenced a Force Verification Exercise in Uganda, scheduled to run from August 6th to August 8th 2026. The exercise is in line with the approved EASF Activity Plan for 2026 and the strategic goal of maintaining a multidimensional capacity ready for peace support operations.

The verification follows a formal request from the EASF to the government of Uganda and is conducted in accordance with the EASF Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Pledged Forces for Deployment. Article 2 of the MoU commits member states to make available personnel and equipment necessary for the accomplishment of the mission’s objectives.

Officers of the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) during the meeting hosted by the Uganda Police Force at the Naguru headquarters. (Credit: Police)

Key officials from the EASF present in Uganda include Brigadier General Rwivanga and Brigadier General Stephen Maina, who is the Force Commander. They were formally received by Lieutenant General Jack Bakasumba, the Chief of Joint Staff of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), at the Ministry of Defence Headquarters in Mbuya.

The UPDF, in a statement released on Thursday, said Lt Gen Bakasumba reiterated Uganda’s unwavering commitment to African peace and security, underscoring the importance of sustained cooperation among EASF member states in advancing African agency and strengthening continental resilience in addressing security challenges.

He highlighted the ongoing efforts to sustain Somalia’s peace support operations as a clear example, particularly in view of the planned withdrawals of United Nations and other international partners’ support to the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

“Uganda is committed to the African purpose, anchored in firm political will and inspired by the PanAfrican spirit. We pledge continued active participation in joint security endeavours, working together for a stable and prosperous Africa,” Lt Gen Bakasumba said.

A delegation from the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF), inspecting some of the equipment used by the Uganda Police Force during a visit to Naguru headquarters. (Credit: Police)

He further assured the verification team of the readiness of the UPDF’s pledged troops, police contingents, civilian personnel, and equipment, reaffirming Uganda’s commitment to the Eastern Africa Standby Force.

Brigadier General Rwivanga commended the Republic of Uganda for its steadfast commitment to the EASF cause, particularly through its timely financial contributions to the regional bloc.

He further reiterated the commitment of the EASF to fulfilling its mandate and advancing the vision of a more stable and secure Africa.

“Uganda’s dedication demonstrates the spirit of freedom, solidarity, and collective responsibility,” he said, adding that verification exercises for personnel and equipment are essential to ensuring a credible and capable force for combined operations under the EASF.

He further noted that the rapidly evolving security environment, marked by transnational threats and recurring disasters across the region, requires collective preparedness and the development of an interoperable force to effectively address these challenges.

Uganda Police Force senior team in a group photo with officers of the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) at a meeting hosted at Naguru headquarters. (Credit: Police)

The exercise will verify Uganda’s pledged police and civilian capabilities on 6th August, followed by the verification of military capabilities on August 7th and 8th. This comprehensive process ensures readiness for rapid deployment in peace support operations and underscores Uganda’s steadfast commitment to regional peace and security under the EASF framework.

The Eastern Africa Standby Force is a regional security mechanism established under the African Union Peace and Security Architecture. It is composed of nine member states: Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, Sudan, and Uganda.