Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces and Chairman of the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) Chiefs of Defence and Security Committee, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, on Thursday opened the 36th Ordinary Session in Kampala with a strong call for regional strategic self-reliance. Addressing defence leaders from Eastern Africa, Gen Kainerugaba said shifting external support mechanisms demand internal funding and operational independence if the region is to secure its future. He pointed to the ongoing transition to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) as a clear reminder that the region must remain ready for change. “The ongoing transition to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia is a clear reminder that our region must remain ready for change. We cannot afford to depend on unpredictable circumstances. We must remain prepared to respond whenever the African Union and member states require collective action,” he stated. Gen Kainerugaba expressed optimism about the commitment of EASF member states but stressed that self-reliance must actively drive the region’s defence posture. He pledged that Uganda would fully meet its funding obligations to the Force. “Sustaining readiness, conducting exercises, and maintaining operational capability require resources that are often stretched. I would like to inform the director that we are going to fully meet our obligation in terms of funding,” the CDF said. He added that constrained resources should sharpen the resolve to find practical and lasting solutions. The Ugandan general noted that the Kampala meeting is taking place amid rapidly evolving threats. Conflicts are changing, extremist threats are evolving, illicit networks are becoming more sophisticated, and technology is reshaping how operations are planned and conducted. On readiness, he emphasised that preparedness is no longer measured by numbers alone. It is measured by agility, interoperability, foresight, and the ability to respond decisively under uncertain circumstances. Reflecting on the recent EASF Force Verification Exercise hosted in Uganda, Gen Kainerugaba said a standby force earns credibility not only through the missions it undertakes but through the confidence it inspires before deployment becomes necessary. “Preparedness cannot be improvised in crises. It must be built in advance, maintained consistently, and tested regularly,” he said. EASF Director Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga of the Rwanda Defence Force commended Uganda’s leadership and noted progress under the Secretariat’s strategic plan. He highlighted that for the first time, seven partners had delivered their financial commitments on time. Uganda’s State Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs (Defence), Hon Grace Akifeza Ngabirano, also expressed confidence in the EASF’s capacity and stressed that unified solidarity remains essential for lasting peace on the continent. The 36th Ordinary Session continues with closed-door discussions on operational deployment frameworks and the budget for the 2026–2027 fiscal year. The Eastern Africa Standby Force is mandated by the African Union to predict, prevent and respond to security crises, conflicts and humanitarian disasters in the region through rapid-deployment peace support operations. Its active member states include Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, Sudan and Uganda. The call for self-reliance comes at a time when external funding for African peace support missions has become less predictable. Whether member states will translate the rhetoric into consistent financial and operational commitments will determine the Force’s real effectiveness in the years ahead. King Musah Media will continue following the outcomes of the Kampala session.