Rwanda and Uganda Military Commanders Meet in Mbarara to Strengthen Border Security.

The Rwandan delegation was led by Major General RukiKarusisi, Commander of the RDF 5th Infantry Division, while Uganda was represented by Major General Paul Muhanguzi, Commander of the UPDF 2nd Infantry Division.

Before the meeting, the two delegations joined local leaders and community members in Kamwezi Sub-County, Rukiga District, for a joint tree-planting activity, highlighting cooperation between the two countries and their border communities.

Opening the meeting, Maj Gen Paul Muhanguzi welcomed the Rwandan delegation and emphasized the close relationship between the two neighbouring countries.

“Rwanda and Uganda share more than a physical border,” he said. 

He stressed that peace in Rwanda contributes to peace in Uganda, and vice versa, underscoring the importance of continued joint efforts to maintain security for communities on both sides of the border. 

Maj Gen Muhanguzi also expressed appreciation to the Commanders-in-Chief and Chiefs of Defence Staff of both countries for what he described as visionary leadership and continued efforts to promote unity, cooperation and good relations between Rwanda and Uganda.

Speaking in response, Maj Gen Ruki Karusisi thanked the Ugandan hosts for the warm welcome and emphasized the importance of maintaining peace along the common border.

“The common border should remain a space for peace, lawful movement, trade, and cooperation rather than a source ofinsecurity or misunderstanding,” he said. 

Maj Gen Karusisi further stressed that military commanders have a responsibility to maintain open channels of communication, strengthen confidence between the two forces and ensure that emerging issues are addressed through dialogue and appropriate coordination. 

He noted that the strong relationship between Rwanda and Uganda provides a solid foundation for further military cooperation. 

The meeting is part of a series of quarterly engagements between RDF and UPDF commanders whose units operate along the Rwanda-Uganda border. The discussions are intended to assess the security situation, address cross-border challenges, strengthen coordination and develop lasting solutions to issues affecting communities on both sides of the border. 

The meeting demonstrates the continued efforts by Rwanda and Uganda to strengthen security cooperation and maintain peaceful relations along their shared border.