UPDF, RDF Commit to Stronger Military Cooperation Along Shared Border

MBARARA, August 31, 2026 — The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) and Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening military cooperation and maintaining peace and stability along the Uganda-Rwanda border.

The commitment was made during the eighth Proximity Commanders’ Meeting held in Mbarara City over the weekend, bringing together senior commanders from the UPDF 2 Infantry Division and RDF 5 Infantry Division.

The meeting focused on security challenges affecting communities along the shared border and explored ways of deepening cooperation between the two forces.

Deputy Commander of Land Forces, Major General Felix Busizori, credited Presidents Yoweri Museveni of Uganda and Paul Kagame of Rwanda for supporting continued engagement between the two militaries.

Maj Gen Busizori also commended the two Chiefs of Defence Forces for facilitating the meetings, saying regular engagements strengthen peace and security, promote mutual understanding and improve cooperation between the forces.

He said closer cooperation between Uganda and Rwanda remained important for economic development despite challenges including cultural differences, geopolitical dynamics and resource constraints.

“Stronger cooperation” would require sustained sensitisation of military personnel and border communities, as well as efforts to build trust and preserve the spirit of collaboration, he said.

The Commander of the UPDF 2 Infantry Division, Maj Gen Paul Muhanguzi, thanked the leadership and people of Rukiga District for supporting the engagement and commended Civil-Military Cooperation officers from both forces for organising a joint tree-planting exercise.

Maj Gen Muhanguzi said the meeting allowed commanders to discuss challenges openly and frankly, with the discussions guided by honesty and a shared commitment to finding solutions.

He stressed the importance of maintaining positive relations with border communities, saying they remain a critical source of security information.

“Our border communities are our strength if we utilise them well, but we risk losing valuable intelligence if we do not treat them well,” Muhanguzi said.

He cited previous instances of cooperation between the two forces, including RDF assistance in locating Ugandan students who became separated from their group during a study tour in Rwanda’s Virunga region.

Speaking on behalf of the RDF delegation, Maj Gen Ruki Karusisi commended Uganda’s military leadership, from the Commander-in-Chief to the Chief of Defence Forces, for its commitment to strengthening relations between the two armies.

The engagement also included a civil-military cooperation activity in Kamwezi, where UPDF and RDF personnel jointly planted more than 80 trees.

The RDF delegation also visited Mugaba Palace, Birya United Agencies Ltd and Kazeire Factory as part of the engagement.

Source: Defence Press Unit