Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni has pledged to spearhead efforts to strengthen the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF), including convening its Summit of Heads of State, which has not met since 2014.

Museveni made the commitment after meeting Brigadier General Ronald Rwivanga, Director of the Eastern Africa Standby Force, at State House, Entebbe.

The President said Brig. Gen. Rwivanga briefed him on the Force’s activities and ongoing efforts to strengthen the region’s peace and security architecture.

“As Chairperson of the EAC, I will engage my fellow Heads of State to strengthen the EASF,” Museveni said, adding that he would work to convene the EASF Summit, which has not met for more than a decade.

He also pledged to push for adequate support for the regional force to enable it to respond effectively to security and humanitarian challenges affecting Eastern Africa.

The President’s remarks come as regional military and security leaders meet in Kampala for the 36th EASF Policy Organs Meetings, where discussions have focused on operational readiness, regional security priorities and the future of the standby force.

EASF Director Brig. Gen. Rwivanga has separately called on member states to strengthen political ownership, ensure predictable financing and enhance the Force’s operational capabilities.

The EASF is one of the regional mechanisms established to strengthen Africa’s capacity to prevent, manage and respond to conflicts and other peace and security challenges.

Museveni’s pledge signals renewed political attention to the regional force at a time when Eastern Africa continues to face complex security and humanitarian challenges requiring coordinated regional responses.