The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Honourable Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth, has reiterated Uganda’s commitment towards supporting the Eastern Africa Standby Force in fulfilling its mandate.
Hon. Oboth stated, “As the Government of Uganda and the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, we are here to support and ensure that EASF fulfils its mandate.”
He made the remarks today as he met the Director of the Eastern Africa Standby Force, Brigadier General Gen (Rtd) Paul Kahuria Njema, Director of the East African Standby Force, at the headquarters of the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs in Mbuya.
Hon. Oboth commended the Force for its efforts in realising its mandate, which includes early warning, prevention, management, and resolution of conflicts.
The Minister lauded the development partners of EASF, represented by Mr Jens Lindvig, the Danish Defence Attache to Kenya, who chairs the Friends of EASF, especially in terms of funding.
Brig Gen (Rtd) Paul Kahuria Njema, on his part, acknowledged Uganda’s unwavering support towards EASF.
He said, “Uganda has been a valuable partner in EASF, and we appreciate your continuous support. Uganda stands for a united Africa, an Africa that is one, and it can only be one when we bring our resources to work together towards a common objective.”
The Minister and his guest urged the EASF Member States to fulfil their obligations to enhance African solutions for African problems.
The meeting was attended by: Mrs. Rossette Byengoma, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs; Maj Gen Jackson Bakasumba, Chief of Joint Staff; Brig Gen Alex Olupot, Joint Staff Training and Doctrine; and Brig Gen Gaetano Omola, the Commandant Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability Centre.