Military leaders from Rwanda and Uganda examine border security

Officers from the Rwanda Defense Force (RDF) and Uganda Peoples’ Defense Forces (UPDF) began holding their fifth Proximity Commanders’ Meeting in Nyagatare, Eastern Province, from June 18–20.

The meeting’s objectives are to examine the current state of security, discuss issues impacting border communities, and improve border security between Rwanda and Uganda.

Commanders and personnel from RDF infantry divisions stationed along the Rwanda–Uganda border, led by Brig Gen Pascal Muhizi, the RDF 5th Division Commander, and their counterparts from the UPDF 2nd Infantry Division, led by Maj Gen Paul Muhanguzi, the Division Commander, convened for the three-day meeting.

Brigadier General Emmanuel Shilling, Uganda’s defense attaché to Rwanda, and Col. Emmanuel Ruzindana, Rwanda’s defense attaché to Uganda, are also there.

During the conference, both delegations evaluated how well the previous meeting’s suggestions had been implemented, especially with regard to preventing illegal cross-border activity and dealing with other possible and new security risks.

Brig. Gen. Pascal Muhizi thanked the UPDF team, pointing out that their visit to Rwanda is an obvious indication of the two defense forces’ mutual dedication to preserving good and friendly ties. He emphasized that the commitment of RDF and UPDF proximity commanders remains a vital component of regional security and collaboration.

Muhizi emphasized that maintaining regional stability and border security is a common duty that calls for concerted measures rather than dispersed actions. He pointed out that through organized information exchange and well-coordinated tactical reactions based on mutual trust and dedication, RDF and UPDF have proven the value of cooperative military engagement.

He emphasized the significance of taking a proactive stance in light of the security environment’s growing complexity.

The head of the Ugandan delegation and commander of the UPDF 2nd Infantry Division, Maj Gen Paul Muhanguzi, sincerely thanked the RDF leadership for welcoming the Ugandan delegation to Rwanda, especially the commander of the RDF 5th Infantry Division and his staff.

“We remain committed to the vision of our Heads of State and the guidance of our Chiefs of Defence Forces as we pursue the prosperity of our border communities,” Muhanguzi said.

He recognized that these cross-border interactions have led to tremendous advancements, particularly in the areas of intelligence and information exchange, coordinated security operations, joint command, and the execution of social projects that help the local populace.

Matsiko Gonzague, the Vice Mayor in charge of Economic Development, welcomed the delegation when they made a courtesy call to the Nyagatare District leadership.

Matsiko expressed gratitude for the Proximity Commanders’ Meeting, emphasizing that it has allowed both nations to tackle common border-related concerns and promote closer collaboration between people on both sides, especially in the field of socioeconomic development.

Ruhama District in Uganda is adjacent to Nyagatare District.