UPDF, Rwanda Army strengthen border security cooperation

What the report says

Senior commanders from Uganda’s UPDF and Rwanda’s Defence Force met in Mbarara City over the weekend to reinforce cooperation along the shared border, according to Nile Post. The eighth Proximity Commanders’ Meeting brought together officers from the UPDF 2 Infantry Division and the RDF 5 Infantry Division to discuss security concerns affecting border communities and ways to improve coordination between the two militaries.

The report says the commanders emphasized closer military ties, intelligence sharing and better engagement with residents living near the Uganda-Rwanda border. Deputy Commander of UPDF Land Forces Maj. Gen. Felix Busizori said ongoing dialogue between the armies helps maintain peace, security and mutual understanding. He also pointed to the wider value of stronger relations between the two countries for economic development.

Maj. Gen. Paul Muhanguzi of the UPDF 2 Infantry Division said border communities remain an important source of security information and should be treated as partners. He said the meeting allowed both sides to discuss challenges openly and search for joint solutions. Muhanguzi also referred to earlier cooperation, including RDF assistance in locating Ugandan students who had become separated during a study tour in Rwanda’s Virunga region.

Brig. Gen. Ruki Karusisi, representing the RDF, welcomed the continued military engagement. The article also notes a joint civil-military activity in Kamwezi, where soldiers from both forces planted more than 80 trees. More broadly, the report fits a pattern of neighborly military contacts used by Uganda and Rwanda to manage border concerns and improve relations.