Uganda, Rwanda armies to conduct joint border patrols

The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) have agreed to conduct coordinated joint border patrols to strengthen security and curb crime along their shared border.

According to a statement issued by Maj. Kiconco Tabaro, the UPDF 2nd Division public information officer, the joint patrols will be complemented by coordinated sensitisation of border communities.

The frequency and nature of these activities will depend on emerging security situations.

This decision was among the key resolutions reached during a three-day military conference held from March 20-22, 2025, at Igongo Country Hotel in Mbarara city. The conference, which brought together UPDF and RDF commanders, aimed to enhance security cooperation between the two forces.

The meeting, the fourth of its kind, began with an interaction with local leaders from Rukiga and Ntungamo districts at the Ntungamo district headquarters. It concluded with a call for continuous collaboration between the two armies.

Maj. Gen. Francis Takirwa, the Deputy Commander of the UPDF Land Forces, presided over the conference’s closing session. The Rwandan delegation was led by Brig. Gen. Pascal Muhizi, the RDF 5th Division Commander.

The conference reviewed the progress made since the previous meetings held in Nyagatare and Musanze in Rwanda, as well as in Mbarara city, Uganda, in 2024. Maj. Gen. Takirwa commended the ongoing cooperation, noting its positive impact on border communities and security at local, national, and regional levels.

He highlighted the need for migration stakeholders to decentralise control points, potentially establishing a midway customs point to facilitate easier movement for traders and border residents.

UPDF proximity commanders led by Maj. Gen Francis Takirwa, the UPDF deputy commander Land Forces (4th from left) and Brig. Gen Pascal Muhizi, the 5th commander RDF (3rd from left) shortly after attending a three-day Proximity commander meeting on Saturday held at Igongo Country Hotel in Mbarara city. (Credit: Abdulkarim Ssengendo)

To further strengthen ties, the conference also proposed organising sports activities between the two forces as a way of fostering camaraderie. Additionally, both armies committed to sharing security-related information along the border.

The delegations acknowledged and appreciated the significant improvements in handling cross-border issues and agreed to hold another meeting in Rwanda soon.

Maj. Gen. Paul Muhanguzi, the UPDF 2nd Division commander, thanked the RDF delegation for its commitment to addressing concerns affecting border communities.

He urged both armies to maintain harmonious relations to fulfil the broader objectives set by the Commanders-in-Chief and the Chiefs of Defence Forces—Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the UPDF Chief of Defence Forces, and Gen. Mubarakh Muganga, the RDF Chief of Defence Staff.

Brig. Gen. Pascal Muhizi expressed gratitude to the UPDF for the warm reception and highlighted the significant progress achieved since the introduction of proximity commanders’ meetings.

The commanders also extended their appreciation to President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda for facilitating the continued engagement of proximity commanders.