Rwanda’ RDF (Rwanda Defence Forces)and Uganda’s UPDF(Uganda People’s Defence Forces) Delegations hold sixth meeting on border security
Delegations from the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) met for the sixth time in a meeting aimed at discussing security along the shared borders of the two countries and removing existing obstacles.
The meeting started on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, in Kabale town, Uganda.The Rwandan delegation was led by Brig. Gen. Justus Majyambere, the Commander of the RDF 5th Division, while the Ugandan side was led by Maj. Gen. Paul Muhanguzi, the Commander of the UPDF 2nd Division.Before the official meeting, the delegations from both countries visited the Kabale District offices, where they were briefed on the district’s development achievements.
Gen. Paul Muhanguzi, Commander of the UPDF 2nd Division, said that such meetings highlight the importance of cooperation between RDF and UPDF in promoting peace and security. Brig. Gen. Justus Majyambere, Commander of the RDF 5th Division, emphasized that these discussions reflect openness and the good relationship between the two countries, as well as the commitment to continue promoting peace and security along their shared borders.
He said: “Both the RDF and the UPDF played a historic role in transforming our countries.”
He further stressed that the two forces remain a cornerstone for peace, security, and national development.
The armies of Uganda and Rwanda enjoy a long-standing relationship, demonstrated by visits, meetings of Chiefs of Defence Staff, and various joint forums bringing together different units of both forces.
The early meetings :
Over the past couple of years, Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have increasingly held joint meetings, especially at the level of Proximity Commanders and other senior military leaders deployed along the shared border. These meetings are meant to build trust, improve coordination, share intelligence, and address cross-border crimes and security threats affecting border communities.
There are too other some key past meetings include: Proximity Commanders’ Meeting in Musanze, Rwanda (Nov 28-30, 2024)
Discussion of challenges for border communities, illicit activities (smuggling, illegal crossings, etc.).
Meeting in Mbarara, Uganda (Aug 2024)
To strengthen cross-border cooperation and curbing cross-border crimes.
Nyagatare, Rwanda (May 2024)
UPDF & RDF forces deployed along the border met to discuss security challenges, cross-border criminal activities, trade/immigration/security issues.
Mbarara, Uganda (March 2025)
A three-day proximity commanders meeting, reviewing what’s been done, what challenges remain.
Cross-Border Security Meeting in Mbarara (Feb 27, 2025)
The 3rd such cross-border security meeting. Focus on trade, customs, immigration, security along border; signing of joint communication
Cooperation Area What was agreed by both countries?
Joint military training exercises During a security conference in Musanze (Nov 30, 2024), both sides agreed to conduct joint training to improve tackling cross-border and transnational crime. To improve coordination, readiness, and intelligence sharing between RDF & UPDF in real time.
Proximity Commanders meetings Repeated meetings of field commanders/ divisional commanders along the shared border (e.g. in Musanze, Mbarara, Nyagatare) to review security threats (smuggling, illegal crossings, etc.) and find local coordination solutions. These help with quicker responses, better community liaison, and reducing friction in border areas.
Mobilization & Sensitization of Border Communities A recurring theme in meetings is to engage border communities: informing them, involving them, to help reduce illegal activity and build trust. Border areas often suffer from smuggling, illegal crossings, which are easier to deal with if local people are aware and cooperating.
Information sharing & quicker communication among field commanders In recent meetings commanders agreed on more direct communication between field units rather than always going through higher HQs. This reduces delays in action and helps in dealing with incidents more promptly.
Joint review of previous resolutions / follow-up In many of these meetings (e.g. in Mbarara, Nyagatare, Musanze), past resolutions and recommendations from earlier meetings were tracked to see what has been implemented, what still remains a challenge. Ensures accountability and that actions translate into improved security.
These meetings between the two countries come after periods of tense diplomatic and security relations between Uganda and Rwanda. They are part of efforts to rebuild trust and reduce friction.
The security cooperation is not purely military: it touches on trade, immigration, customs, infrastructure that affects cross-border movement, and community well-being.
There’s clear support from the highest levels of government (Heads of State) in both countries to see this cooperation succeed.
END.
