The Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) has certified the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) deployment capability for regional peace support operations following a verification exercise at the International Peace Support Operations Training Centre in Singo.
The inspection, conducted under the EASF Activity Plan 2026, evaluated the personnel, equipment, and multidimensional readiness of Uganda's pledged battalion to ensure rapid response capabilities during regional crises.
EASF Force Commander Brigadier General Stephen Maina Huria commended the UPDF for maintaining rigorous training standards and operational preparedness.
"We are really excited and happy that you have joined in this, and we are in this together because when you consider yourself as East Africa's Standby Force, you're part of it," Brig. Gen. Huria said. "I am really impressed by the way you conduct your training. It is very detailed."
Brig. Gen. Huria confirmed that the battalion met all operational criteria for immediate deployment under regional security frameworks.
"The troops are mission-ready and highly motivated, well equipped for the task. I can assure you, I am fully satisfied that your forces are ready," Brig. Gen. Huria added.
The Commandant of the training center, Colonel Moses Nabaasa, highlighted Uganda's ongoing contributions to peace missions under African Union and United Nations mandates.
"Our commitment has been demonstrated through our contributions to global peace and security through active participation in peace support operations in various regional countries like Somalia, South Sudan, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, and many other theatres where we found ourselves as UPDF operators in peace in the whole region," Col. Nabaasa said.
Col. Nabaasa noted that the designated contingent completed specialized training to ensure full interoperability with partner states across Eastern Africa.
"We have no doubt that our Standby Force has all the attributes required. Once given an opportunity at short notice to operate in any environment, we are always ready for the cause," Col. Nabaasa said.
The verification process evaluated military, police, and civilian components pledged by Uganda to support peace-building efforts across the nine-member regional bloc.