The Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) have pledged to strengthen cooperation and communication to preserve peace and security along the Rwanda-Uganda border.
The commitment was made on August 27, 2026, during the eighth regular meeting of commanders of military units operating in areas close to the two countries’ shared border, held in Mbarara, Uganda.
The Rwandan delegation was led by Maj Gen Ruki Karusisi, Commander of the RDF’s 5th Division, while the Ugandan side was led by Maj Gen Paul Muhanguzi, Commander of the UPDF’s 2nd Division.
Muhanguzi welcomed the Rwandan delegation and emphasised the close ties between the two countries, saying their shared interests go beyond the physical border separating them.
He said security in one country directly affects the other, stressing the need for continued cooperation to protect communities living along the border.
Muhanguzi also commended the senior leadership of the two countries and their armed forces for what he described as continued efforts to strengthen unity, cooperation and good relations between Rwanda and Uganda.
Karusisi said the shared border should remain an area of peace, lawful movement, trade and cooperation rather than becoming a source of insecurity or misunderstanding.
He called for stronger communication between the two forces and greater trust, saying any challenges that arise should be addressed through dialogue and coordinated action.
“Military leaders have a responsibility to maintain open communication channels, strengthen trust between the two forces and ensure that emerging challenges are addressed through dialogue and appropriate coordination,” Karusisi said.
He added that the strong relationship between Rwanda and Uganda provides a foundation for further strengthening military cooperation.
The meeting forms part of quarterly engagements between RDF and UPDF commanders whose units operate in areas close to the shared border.
The meetings provide a platform to assess the security situation, address cross-border security concerns, strengthen coordination and seek lasting solutions to challenges affecting communities living along the border.
Before the meeting, the two military delegations joined local authorities and residents of Kamwezi Sector in Rukiga District in a joint tree-planting activity.
