Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga has officially been sworn in as the new Force Commander of the Eastern Africa Standby Force, succeeding Brig Gen (Rtd) Paul Kahuria Njema of Uganda, who has completed a three-year term leading the regional security body.
Rwivanga, who was appointed late last year and is expected to officially begin his duties in May, assumed leadership during a handover ceremony held on Wednesday at the Uganda Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs headquarters in Mbuya, Kampala. He will be based at the EASF headquarters in Nairobi.
Outgoing Commander Praised for Strengthening the Institution
The ceremony was presided over by Jacob Marksons Oboth, Uganda’s Defence Minister and current Director-General of the Cabinet Office, whose office oversees the EASF.
Oboth praised Brig Gen (Rtd) Njema for his dedicated service and contribution to strengthening the institution through effective governance, transparent resource management, and strategic institutional development.
He urged Brig Gen Rwivanga to build on the progress already achieved and ensure the force remains resourceful, self-sustaining, and active in promoting regional peace and security initiatives.
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Rwivanga Commits to Transparency and Regional Cooperation
In his acceptance speech, Brig Gen Rwivanga pledged to prioritize transparency, professionalism, and stronger collaboration among EASF member states and regional institutions.
He emphasized the importance of collective action in addressing emerging threats such as terrorism, cybercrime, natural disasters, epidemics, and other humanitarian crises affecting the region.
Rwivanga also reaffirmed the EASF’s commitment to supporting member states during emergencies, including floods, disease outbreaks, and other crises requiring coordinated regional responses.
Before his appointment, Brig Gen Rwivanga served as spokesperson for the Rwanda Defence Force, a position he held from 2020. He also previously served as Academic Coordinator at the Rwanda Military Academy.
