Uganda, Rwanda meet to assess cross-border security
In his opening remarks, Maj. Gen. Muhanguzi thanked the RDF commander for his commitment to resolving security issues affecting communities along the border.
UPDF and RDF delegation with Ntungamo and Rukiga district leaders at Ntungamo district headquarters on Thursday. (Credit: Abdulkarim Ssengendo)
By Abdulkarim Ssengendo
Journalists @New Vision
A delegation from the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) is in Uganda for a proximity commanders' meeting aimed at strengthening cross-border security cooperation.
The meeting, which began Thursday, March 20, 2025, at Igongo Country Hotel in Mbarara city, will conclude today, Friday.
The Rwandan Army delegation, led by Brig. Gen. Pascal Muhizi, commander of the RDF 5th Division, was received at Mirama Hills border post by Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) officers, headed by the 2nd Division Commander, Maj. Gen. Paul Muhanguzi.
The RDF delegation includes military officers from the RDF 2nd and 5th infantry divisions, as well as Rwanda’s defence advisor to Uganda, Col. Emmanuel Ruzindana.
These commanders oversee proximity units along the Uganda-Rwanda border and have been actively engaged in addressing cross-border crime and security challenges in collaboration with other stakeholders.
The primary focus of the meeting is to review past deliberations and assess progress in fostering a secure and prosperous environment for border communities in both nations.
In his opening remarks, Maj. Gen. Muhanguzi thanked the RDF commander for his commitment to resolving security issues affecting communities along the border.
Brig.Gen Pascal Muhizi, commander of the RDF 5th division, also leading Rwandan delegation being welcomed by the 2nd division commander Maj Gen Paul Muhangizi at Mirama Hills (the Ugandan-Rwanda border) on Thursday on arrival in Uganda for the meeting. (Credit: Abdulkarim Ssengendo)
“Your coming continues to demonstrate to us a strong desire and commitment towards the vision of our beloved heads of state; Gen. Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda, and Gen. Yoweri Museveni, the President of Uganda,” Maj. Gen. Muhanguzi stated.
He highlighted the strides made by both the UPDF and RDF in curbing cross-border crime and enhancing security for the two countries.
“I’m confident that significant steps have been made since the initiation of proximity commanders’ meetings. Commanders regularly communicate, especially when handling cross-border security-related issues. I therefore salute commanders for this milestone,” he added.
Muhanguzi urged the commanders to maintain strong relations to achieve the broader objectives set by the Commanders-in-Chief of both forces and the Chiefs of Defence Forces—Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, UPDF Chief of Defence Forces, and Gen. Mubarakh Muganga, RDF Chief of Defence Staff.
He expressed optimism that these meetings would greatly improve relations between border communities in terms of security, prosperity, and overall socio-economic transformation.
Brig. Gen. Pascal Muhizi, in his address, expressed gratitude to the UPDF for the warm reception and acknowledged the progress made since the inception of the proximity commanders’ meetings.
Both delegations also paid courtesy visits to district leaders in Ntungamo and Rukiga at the Ntungamo district headquarters.
Ntungamo district chairman Sam Mucunguzi commended the unity between the two armies, while Ntungamo district commissioner Isiah Kanyamahane noted that their cooperation has significantly benefited border communities.
Rukiga resident district commissioner Zadock Kamusiime lauded the initiative, calling it an effective way to safeguard the interests of African nations.