A delegation from the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF), led by its Executive Director, Brig. Gen. Ronald Rwivanga, has started a verification exercise to assess Uganda's pledged security capabilities and readiness for future regional peace support missions.
The exercise began on Wednesday at the Uganda Police Force Headquarters, where the delegation from nine African countries was received by the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Mr. James Ochaya. The team inspected personnel, equipment, medical support, communication systems and the overall ability of the security forces to respond quickly during peace support operations.
Brig. Gen. Rwivanga praised Uganda for its continued commitment to the EASF, especially its timely financial support and active participation in regional peace and security efforts. He reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to promoting peace, stability and security across Eastern Africa.
The Uganda Prisons Service (UPS) was represented by Senior Commissioner of Prisons Frank Baine Mayanja in charge of Cooperation and Corporate Affairs together with other senior officers.
Over the years, the Uganda Prisons Service has remained an active member of the EASF framework. The Service has participated in Command Post Exercises (CPX) and other regional activities while also deploying officers to peace support missions alongside the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF), the Uganda Police Force (UPF) and civilian experts.
The verification exercise follows a request by the EASF to the Government of Uganda and is carried out under the EASF Memorandum of Understanding on Pledged Forces for Deployment. It aims to confirm that Uganda's pledged personnel and equipment are ready for rapid deployment whenever needed.
The exercise will continue with the verification of military capabilities on August 7 and 8. The process highlights Uganda's continued commitment to supporting peace, security and stability within the region through the Eastern Africa Standby Force.
