A delegation from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has returned home after participating in the 7th Edition of the RDF–UPDF Proximity Commanders’ Meeting held from February 18–20, 2026, in Musanze District, Rwanda.
The three-day conference brought together senior officers from the UPDF and their counterparts from the Rwandan Defence Forces (RDF) to strengthen cross-border security cooperation and review progress on previous resolutions.
Hosted at Hotel Classic in Musanze, Northern Province, the meeting focused on key security concerns affecting both countries, including porous borders, human trafficking, illegal cross-border movements, illicit trade, livestock theft, and other transnational crimes. The delegations assessed existing border security mechanisms and evaluated the implementation of agreed-upon initiatives aimed at curbing criminal activities along the shared frontier.
The discussions underscored the importance of sustained dialogue and coordinated action in maintaining peace and stability in border communities. Both sides resolved to broaden engagement beyond military structures by involving local communities through enhanced military-to-military relations and Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) initiatives.
As part of their visit, the UPDF delegation conducted a guided tour of the Musanze Industrial Park and the Mutobo Ex-Combatants Rehabilitation and Reintegration Centre. They also paid a courtesy call on the Governor of Northern Province.
Speaking during the meeting, UPDF 2nd Infantry Division Commander, Maj. Gen. Paul Muhanguzi, reaffirmed the force’s commitment to fostering prosperity and peaceful coexistence among border communities.
“We are moving steadily towards the prosperity of our border communities. We should not only focus on security issues but rather on peaceful co-existence of our people. We are the same people; we need to prosper. Border communities will always have confidence in us as a pro-people army,” he said.
The next RDF–UPDF Proximity Commanders’ Meeting is scheduled to take place in Uganda in three months.
Keywords: UPDF, RDF, Musanze District, Rwanda, border security, cross-border crime, human trafficking, illicit trade, livestock theft, Civil-Military Cooperation, Maj Gen Paul Muhanguzi, Northern Province
