Rwanda: RDF, UPDF Hold Proximity Commanders Meeting in Mbarara

What the report says

Rwanda Defence Force and Uganda People’s Defence Forces officers met in Mbarara, Uganda, on Thursday, August 27, for their eighth Proximity Commanders’ Meeting, according to The New Times via AllAfrica. The three-day gathering brought together commanders whose units operate along the Rwanda-Uganda border and was aimed at improving coordination and discussing security concerns in the area.

The RDF delegation was led by Maj. Gen. Ruki Karusisi, commander of the RDF 5 Infantry Division, while the UPDF side was led by Maj. Gen. Paul Muhanguzi, commander of the UPDF 2 Infantry Division. The meeting reflected an ongoing mechanism used by the two militaries to review the local security situation, respond to cross-border challenges, and keep communication open between commanders.

Muhanguzi said peace in one country supports peace in the other, underscoring the link between border security and community stability. Karusisi said the shared border should support movement, trade and cooperation rather than become a source of tension, and urged commanders to address emerging issues through dialogue and coordination.

The article also noted that the meeting was preceded by a tree-planting activity in Kamwezi Sub-County, Rukiga District, with local leaders and community members taking part. More broadly, such quarterly meetings appear to be a routine part of Rwanda-Uganda military engagement along the border, providing a forum for practical cooperation and confidence-building.