The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) 2 Infantry Division and the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) 5 Infantry Division have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening military cooperation and promoting peace and stability along the countries’ shared border.
The commitment was made during the eighth Proximity Commanders’ Meeting in Mbarara City. The meeting brought together senior commanders from the two forces to discuss security and other issues affecting communities along the Uganda-Rwanda border. They also explored ways to deepen cooperation between the armies.
The Deputy Commander of Land Forces, Maj Gen Felix Busizori, commended Presidents Yoweri Museveni of Uganda and Paul Kagame of Rwanda for supporting the engagement.
Maj Gen Busizori thanked the two chiefs of defence forces for facilitating the meeting. He said such engagements promote peace, security, mutual understanding and better working methods between the forces.
He noted that stronger cooperation between the two countries was important for economic development despite challenges such as cultural differences, geopolitical dynamics and resource constraints.
Maj Gen Busizori urged the commanders to continue sensitising military personnel and border communities, build trust between the forces and maintain the spirit of collaboration.
The Commander of the UPDF 2 Infantry Division, Maj Gen Paul Muhanguzi, thanked the leaders and people of Rukiga District for supporting the engagement. He also commended Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) officers from both forces for organising a joint tree-planting activity.
Maj Gen Muhanguzi said the meeting allowed the commanders to discuss challenges openly. He said honesty and a shared commitment to finding solutions guided the talks.
He emphasised the importance of maintaining good relations with border communities, describing them as a critical source of information for security forces.
“Our border communities are our strength if we utilise them well, but we risk losing valuable intelligence if we do not treat them well,” Maj Gen Muhanguzi told the commanders.
Maj Gen Muhanguzi also recalled instances of cooperation between the forces. These included assistance from the RDF in locating Ugandan students who became separated from their group during a study tour in the Virunga region.
Speaking on behalf of the RDF delegation, Brig Gen Ruki Karusisi commended the UPDF leadership, from the Commander-in-Chief to the Chief of Defence Forces, for its commitment to strengthening relations between the armies.
The engagement also featured a CIMIC activity in Kamwezi, where UPDF and RDF personnel planted more than 80 trees. The RDF delegation also visited Mugaba Palace, Birya United Agencies Ltd and Kazeire Factory.
