The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces Chief of Joint Staff, Lieutenant General Jack Bakasumba, has challenged Eastern African states to strengthen regional security mechanisms and cooperation to address emerging threats.
Lt Gen Bakasumba made the call while opening the 36th Ordinary Policy Working Group meeting of the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) in Kampala.
Experts from member states are discussing reforms aimed at strengthening the regional peace and security mechanism.
He said the meeting comes at a time when Eastern Africa needs institutions capable of anticipating emerging security challenges while responding to existing threats.
“Peace is sustained through cooperation and secured through institutions that are capable of anticipating tomorrow’s challenges while responding to today’s realities,” Lt Gen Bakasumba said.
Lt Gen Bakasumba said Eastern Africa has enormous potential, citing its growing economies, youthful population and expanding regional connectivity. However, he stressed that sustainable peace and security are critical to unlocking this potential.
“Peace and development are inseparable. Investment in regional peace and security institutions is ultimately an investment in economic transformation and the long-term resilience of our continent,” he said.
Lt Gen Bakasumba reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to the EASF and the African Union’s peace and security agenda. He urged member states to work together to build a stronger and more responsive regional security architecture.
“African solutions to African problems shouldn’t wait for anyone to come in and rescue us. We have the capabilities. We have the numbers,” he said.
EASF Director Brigadier General Ronald Rwivanga called for greater regional self-reliance as Eastern Africa faces more complex security challenges amid declining external support for peace operations.
He said African countries must prepare to shoulder greater responsibility for maintaining peace and security on the continent.
“It is important for us to build internal resilience and Africa must increasingly prepare to shoulder greater responsibility for its own peace and security,” Brig Gen Rwivanga said.
He, however, described the changing security environment not only as a challenge but also as an opportunity for the EASF to demonstrate its readiness to assume greater responsibilities.
“For EASF, this should not be viewed as a challenge alone. It should be viewed as an opportunity,” he said.
Brig Gen Rwivanga said the EASF has spent the past two decades building capacity through training, exercises, force verification and interoperability. However, he stressed that operational capability alone cannot guarantee an effective regional security mechanism.
“Operational readiness alone is not enough. A capable regional mechanism must also be supported by sound governance, sustainable financing and effective oversight,” he said.
He urged delegates to approach the discussions with an open mind and keep the interests of the region at the centre of their deliberations.
“The recommendations you make over the coming days will directly influence how the EASF positions itself to remain credible, effective and sustainable in an increasingly demanding world. Let us seek consensus. Let us challenge ideas, not each other,” he said.
The Chairperson of the Experts Working Group, Brig Gen Emmanuel Kazahura, urged experts from EASF member states to draw on their collective knowledge and experience to strengthen the regional peace and security mechanism.
He said the quality of the experts’ recommendations would directly influence decisions made by the EASF’s policy organs.
“The strength of the Eastern Africa Standby Force has always rested on the collective expertise of its member states,” Brig Gen Kazahura said.
He said emerging security threats are becoming more interconnected, requiring the EASF to keep reviewing its policies and systems to remain effective and sustainable.
The meeting is expected to provide the technical foundation for decisions aimed at making the EASF stronger, more sustainable and better prepared to respond to the region’s changing security needs.
The Experts Working Group brings together specialists from EASF member states to consider reforms in areas including resource mobilisation, finance and service regulations.
Their recommendations will be forwarded to the Committee of Chiefs of Defence and Security and later to the Council of Ministers for consideration.
