Two Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) officers have graduated from a senior military training programme in Uganda, underscoring the growing defence cooperation between Kigali and Kampala.
Maj. Caleb Kamuntu and Maj. J.D. Mageza Gasasira completed the Senior Command and Staff Course at the Kimaka Senior Command and Staff College in Jinja.
The graduation ceremony was attended by Brig. Gen. JC Ngendahimana, Deputy Commandant of the Rwanda Defence Force Command and Staff College in Nyakinama, and Col. Emmanuel Ruzindana, Rwanda’s Defence Attaché to Uganda.
The milestone comes amid strengthening military ties between the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF), with both countries expanding cooperation in professional military education, border security, and regional peace initiatives.
In April 2026, Rwanda and Uganda signed a new cooperation agreement in Kampala following the 12th Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) meeting, where both sides committed to enhancing collaboration in defence, security, and infrastructure development.
The two militaries have also continued to hold regular coordination meetings in border areas, including Kabale and Gatuna, focusing on intelligence sharing and joint efforts to combat cross-border crime and other security threats.
Operational cooperation has been reinforced through collaboration between RDF’s 2nd and 5th Divisions and the UPDF’s 2nd Division, particularly in safeguarding the common border and addressing transnational security challenges.
Beyond security operations, RDF and UPDF have strengthened relations through military diplomacy, including friendly football matches, reciprocal participation in military ceremonies, and national commemorations.
The graduation of the two officers reflects the continued investment by both countries in professional military development as Rwanda and Uganda deepen defence cooperation in support of regional peace and stability.
