Summary:
- Gen. Kayanja emphasized that such security meetings would help mitigate several issues and facilitate the prosperity of their people.
MBARARA: The three-day military engagement at Les Vegas Gardens Hotel in Mbarara concluded with Lt. Gen. Kayanja Muhanga, the UPDF Commander Land Forces, expressing gratitude to the Presidents of Uganda and Rwanda, H.E. Gen. Yoweri Museveni and H.E. Gen. Paul Kagame on Saturday.
“I want to thank the Presidents of the Republic of Uganda and the Republic of Rwanda for guiding us positively by encouraging us to meet and address our security challenges. This will go a long way in fostering harmony between our two countries and ensuring our peoples’ socio-economic transformation and prosperity,” said Lt. Gen. Kayanja.
Presiding over the closing ceremony, Lt. Gen. Kayanja also thanked the chiefs of defence forces of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) for their efforts in enhancing the security of the two countries.
Highlighting the need for regular meetings as a means of strengthening the relationship between the armies, Gen. Kayanja emphasized that such security meetings would help mitigate several issues and facilitate the prosperity of their people.
“Regular meetings like this one and the one that took place in Rwanda recently can streamline any differences that may exist,” he said.
Stressing the importance of frequent meetings between the two armies, Lt. Gen. Kayanja Muhanga described the engagement as a significant achievement in enhancing relations and strengthening the historical ties between the RDF and UPDF.
Maj. Gen. Vincent Nyakarundi, the RDF Army Chief of Staff, also expressed gratitude to the two Presidents for enabling the commanders to meet regularly and discuss security issues affecting their people. He echoed the need for both armies to strengthen collaboration and coordination, emphasizing that a strong partnership would help prevent infiltration by negative forces.
The UPDF 2nd Infantry Division Commander, Brig. Gen. Paul Muhanguzi, hosted his Rwandan counterparts, RDF 2nd Infantry Division Commander Brig. Gen. Nelson Rwigema, and RDF 5th Infantry Division Commander Col. Pascal Munyankindi.
“To my counterparts, the proximity commanders, since our first meeting in Nyagatare, we have seen positive results. An examination of our resolutions revealed adherence by proximity units on both sides,” noted Brig. Gen. Muhanguzi.
During the engagement, the two armies discussed several key issues impacting border security and resolved to take steps to ensure that operational commanders, tactical units, local communities, and relevant stakeholders work towards promoting security for border communities, both nations, and the region.
The closing ceremony was attended by senior military officials, including Maj. Gen. James Birungi, the Chief of Defence, Security, and Intelligence of UPDF; Col. Francois Regis, the Head of Defence Intelligence of RDF; Brig. Gen. Dr. Emmanuel Shillingi, Uganda’s Defence Advisor to Rwanda; and Col. Emmanuel Luzindana, Rwanda’s Defence Advisor to Uganda, along with other brigade commanders, battalion leaders, and intelligence officers.
