Gen. Kainerugaba Urges East Africa To Build Military Independence

Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces and Chairman of the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) Chiefs of Defence and Security Committee, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, opened the 36th Ordinary Session in Kampala with a call for regional strategic self-reliance.

Addressing defense leaders from Eastern Africa, Gen. Kainerugaba emphasized that shifting external support mechanisms demand internal funding and operational independence to secure the region’s future.

Pointing directly to the transition to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) as a case in point, Gen. Kainerugaba underscored the pressing need for regional readiness.

“The ongoing transition to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia is a clear reminder that our region must remain ready for change. We cannot afford to depend on unpredictable circumstances. We must remain prepared to respond whenever the African Union and member states require collective action.”

The Ugandan General, however, expressed optimism about the commitment of the East African standby force countries and their leadership.

“Our gathering today reflects a shared determination to strengthen regional cooperation in the service of peace, security, and stability across Eastern Africa,” he stated, stressing that self-reliance must actively drive the region’s overall defense posture.

Pledging Uganda’s full financial commitment to ensure this independence, the CDF addressed the host country’s funding gap.

“Sustaining readiness, conducting exercises, and maintaining operational capability require resources that are often stretched. I would like to inform the director that we are going to fully meet our obligation in terms of funding,” he said, adding that while resources are constrained, “this should sharpen our resolve to find practical and lasting solutions.”

The UPDF leader also noted that the Kampala summit takes place amid rapidly evolving threats across the region.

“Conflicts are changing rapidly, extremist threats are evolving, illicit networks are becoming more sophisticated, and technology is reshaping the way operations are planned and conducted,” Gen. Kainerugaba observed.

On military readiness, Gen. Kainerugaba emphasized: “Preparedness is no longer measured by numbers alone. It is measured by agility, interoperability, foresight, and the ability to respond decisively under uncertain circumstances.”

Reflecting on the recent EASF Force Verification Exercise hosted in Uganda, he noted that “a standby force earns credibility not only through the missions it undertakes, but through the confidence it inspires before deployment becomes necessary.”

He underscored that institutional readiness cannot be a crisis-driven afterthought, stating that “preparedness cannot be improvised in crises. It must be built in advance, maintained consistently, and tested regularly. If you see how other regional military organizations work, you will see that most of the work is done before a crisis emerges.”

Addressing the delegates, EASF Director Brig. Gen. Ronald Rwivanga of the Rwanda Defence Force commended Uganda’s leadership, outlining the Secretariat’s progress under its strategic plan.

“Uganda has consistently demonstrated outstanding commitment to the ideals of regional peace and security, and we remain grateful for its leadership and continued support to the Eastern Africa Standby Force,” he said, specifically praising Uganda’s hosting of the force verification exercise, which “allowed us to save a lot in terms of finance.”

On financial predictability, Brig. Gen. Rwivanga highlighted a key milestone: “For the first time, we have had seven of our partners delivering their commitments in time.”

Reinforcing the necessity for regional cohesion, Uganda’s State Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs (Defence), Hon. Grace Akifeza Ngabirano, expressed strong confidence in the capacity, institutions, and operational readiness of the EASF to safeguard regional stability.
She emphasized that unified solidarity remains essential for establishing enduring peace across the continent: “It’s until we have this solidarity that Africa can get the lasting peace and solutions to whatever challenges we get. I look forward to the continuous process that will continue to let Africa shine among other continents,” Hon. Akifeza stated, affirming that a cohesive regional framework empowers member nations to better protect their populations and address emerging security threats.

The 36th Ordinary Session continues this week with closed-door discussions on operational deployment frameworks and the finalized budget for the 2026–2027 fiscal year.

The EASF is mandated by the African Union to predict, prevent, and respond to security crises, conflicts, and humanitarian disasters within the Eastern Africa region through rapid-deployment peace support operations. The organization relies on nine active member states including Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, Sudan and Uganda.