The Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) has opened a four-day workshop in Kampala to develop a regional Air Operations Manual aimed at strengthening joint military air capabilities.
The workshop was officially launched by the EASF Joint Chief of Staff, Brig Gen Stephen Kashure.
The meeting brings together technical experts to harmonise air procedures across member states. Participants are drafting a combined Air Operations Manual and a memorandum of understanding to guide future joint air missions.
Brig Gen Kashure said the framework will support rapid deployment while safeguarding national sovereignty.
“This workshop marks a critical step toward strengthening regional air coordination and ensuring our forces can respond swiftly and effectively when called upon. By standardising procedures and enhancing interoperability, we are improving readiness while fully respecting the sovereignty of our member states,” he said.
EASF Coordinator, Colonel Jancy Bizimana, said eight participants are attending the workshop. She noted that they represent three member states: Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda.
The Eastern Africa Standby Force operates under the African Standby Force framework. It forms part of the African Peace and Security Architecture established in 2002.
The force serves as a regional mechanism responsible for planning and conducting peace support operations across Eastern Africa.
Officials say the new manual will streamline coordination and improve preparedness for future regional deployments.
