Rwanda and Uganda Military Forces Hold Three-Day Meeting to Boost Security Cooperation and Combat Crime

Summary:

• On 28 May 2024, a delegation from the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) 2nd Division arrived in Nyagatare District, Rwanda, for an engagement with the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) 2nd and 5th Division proximity commanders.

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NYAGATARE: The Rwanda Defence Force and the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Force have convened for a three-day cross-border security meeting in Nyagatare, Rwanda, to enhance cooperation and combat crime.

On 28 May 2024, a delegation from the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) 2nd Division arrived in Nyagatare District, Rwanda, for an engagement with the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) 2nd and 5th Division proximity commanders.

The UPDF delegation, led by 2nd Division Commander Brigadier General Paul Muhanguzi, is in Rwanda for a three-day meeting with RDF and UPDF forces deployed along the common border. The discussions aim to address security aspects of the border area, including cross-border criminal activities, and to foster the existing relationship between the RDF and UPDF.

The opening ceremony was officiated by RDF Army Chief of Staff Major General Vincent Nyakarundi, who represented the RDF Chief of Defence Staff. In his remarks, Maj Gen Nyakarundi appreciated the UPDF’s steadfast efforts to preserve security and ensure coordination along the common borders.

“On behalf of the RDF leadership, I appreciate the UPDF’s steadfast efforts to preserve security and ensure coordination along our common borders. As close neighbors, we must uphold our special relationship and address security challenges. As common border proximity commanders, you will have productive discussions and take appropriate measures,” said Maj Gen Vincent Nyakarundi.

The UPDF delegation also visited the Nyagatare District office and interacted with Mayor Gasana Stephen. Brig Gen Muhanguzi expressed gratitude for the guidance provided to operational commanders by the presidents of Rwanda and Uganda.

“I would like to thank the President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E. Yoweri Museveni, and the President of the Republic of Rwanda for allowing us, as proximity commanders, to address cross-border security issues and be part of the mechanism for resolving and bridging gaps. This will facilitate the involvement of all stakeholders in finding solutions to challenges affecting border communities and will bolster cross-border trade once all legal requirements are adhered to,” Brig Gen Muhanguzi said.

On Wednesday, 29 May 2024, the UPDF had an engagement with the manager of the Gatuna border post and the Mayor of Gicumbi District. These discussions were cordial and fruitful.

According to Major Kiconco Tabaro, UPDF 2nd Division Public Information Officer, both the RDF and UPDF delegations discussed several common border security issues and examined existing gaps with a view to finding remedies to these challenges.

CUE IN MAJ KICONCO….ON MEETING…..RR/ENG//