Uganda, Rwanda reinforce cross-border security ties
“By opening our doors today, we show that our cooperation is unbreakable,” Muhanguzi said, adding that such meetings enable them to build deep and lasting trust.
The three-day meeting, aimed at boosting cross-border security and cooperation, was officially opened on August 27, 2026, by Maj. Gen. Paul Muhanguzi, commander of the UPDF 2nd Division, alongside his counterpart, Maj. Gen. Ruki Karusisi, commander of the RDF 5th Infantry Division.
DIPLOMACY
MBARARA - The 8th Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) Proximity Commanders Meeting has opened at Hotel Triangle in Mbarara city, Uganda.
The three-day meeting, aimed at boosting cross-border security and cooperation, was officially opened on August 27, 2026, by Maj. Gen. Paul Muhanguzi, commander of the UPDF 2nd Division, alongside his counterpart, Maj. Gen. Ruki Karusisi, commander of the RDF 5th Infantry Division.
Prior to the meeting, the delegation met leaders and community members of Kamwezi subcounty in Rukiga district, where they participated in a joint tree-planting activity.
“Peace on one side means peace on both sides; trouble for you is trouble for us. We therefore have no choice but to work as brothers and sisters for the common good of our people, which is total security; without peace, we cannot talk about development and prosperity for all," he stated.
Maj. Gen. Muhanguzi and Maj. Gen. Karusisi commended the commanders-in-chief and chiefs of defence forces of both countries for their visionary leadership, which has enabled proximity security meetings to take place, promoting unity and good relations between the two countries.
Maj. Gen. Muhanguzi said the two forces are committed to ensuring their borders remain safe and serve as a bridge of friendship.
“By opening our doors today, we show that our cooperation is unbreakable,” Muhanguzi said, adding that such meetings enable them to build deep and lasting trust.
Maj. Gen. Muhanguzi said the two forces are committed to ensuring their borders remain safe and serve as a bridge of friendship.
“The two nations, the two great armies, are unstoppable if we continue with this comradeship, brotherhood, and solidarity as guided by our strategic and visionary leaders; we shall always emerge victorious against any adversaries, and very soon we shall transform into developed countries,” Muhanguzi added.
In his remarks, Maj. Gen. Karusisi extended his gratitude to the UPDF for hosting the high-level engagement. He stressed that shared borders should function as corridors for peaceful coexistence, lawful movement and economic collaboration, rather than flashpoints for misunderstanding or regional insecurity.
Maj. Gen. Karusisi emphasised that the strong relations between Rwanda and Uganda provide an important foundation for the cooperation they are seeking to further consolidate at their level.
He urged commanders to maintain open channels of communication, strengthen confidence between the forces and ensure every issue is addressed through dialogue and appropriate coordination.
He recognised the communities on both sides of the border, who are closely interconnected, and described this as an important strength that should be protected.