Eastern Africa Standby Force Hailed for Role in Stabilising Region

The Minister of State for Defence in Charge of Veteran Affairs Huda Oleru Abason commended the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) for its efforts in neutralizing negative elements in the region.

Huda, who represented the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs Vicent Bamulangaki Ssempijja made the above remark while meeting a delegation from EASF at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs headquarters in Mbuya, Kampala.

She said: “For us to succeed and not betray the efforts of our forefathers who liberated this continent from imperialism, this organization (EASF) that is protecting us must be funded. We can’t be independent when we don’t have peace and security.”

The Veterans Affairs State Minister promised continued government support to the cause, saying that “our support will give you the basis for success.”

She added that just like others, Uganda is committed to working with other countries for the fulfillment of the EASF mandate.

“We have resources and everything in Africa if we move as Africa, not as Kenya or Rwanda. We have the brains and we are not lacking anything other than togetherness,” she emphasized.

Huda also highlighted that Uganda’s progress is based on democracy, patriotism, Pan Africanism and Social Economic Transformation.

“For us, we try to take issues of Africa as a key priority. Reason why it’s very important to collaborate with Eastern Africa Standby Force,” She noted.

She concluded by calling upon Africans to solve their problems by themselves, adding that Africa has everything it needs for this success.

“If we collaborate the sky will be the limit in this,” said Hon Huda.

Speaking at the same meeting, the Director EASF Brig Gen (Rtd) Paul Kahurira Njema commended the Government of Uganda for its great contribution towards the success of the Eastern Africa Standby Force.

“We appreciate the Government of Uganda for the great contribution and for having continued to fulfill your obligation. We can’t take it for granted,” Brig Gen (Rtd) Kahurira said.

He enumerated some of the key responsibilities of EASF as; maintenance of stability in the region, prevention and management of crisis – environmental or terrorism, and cyber crimes, among others.

Brig Gen Kahurira further noted that operations can’t be won by one component thus the need for the Eastern Africa Standby Force to fill the vacuum.

EASF comprises of the Military, Police and Civilians components. The meeting was also attended by the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Lt Gen Peter Elwelu, Joint Chief of Staff Maj Gen Leopold Kyanda, Joint Chief of Staff Eastern Africa Standby Force Brig Gen Stephen Kashure, and the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs Under Secretary in charge of Finance and Administration Edith Buturo, among others.