Border Security Rwanda Uganda Proximity Commanders Meeting

Rwanda, Uganda Military Commanders Conclude Seventh Border Security Meeting

Senior military commanders from Rwanda and Uganda have concluded their seventh proximity meeting, reaffirming joint efforts to secure their shared border. The three-day session, held from 18 to 20 February 2026 in Musanze District, northern Rwanda, involved the Rwanda Defence Force’s (RDF) 2nd and 5th Divisions and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces’ (UPDF) 2nd Infantry Division.

The meeting reviewed progress since the sixth session, which took place in Kabale, Uganda, in late September 2025. Discussions centred on implementing existing border security initiatives and addressing persistent cross-border challenges. Key agenda items included combating illegal movements, human trafficking, illicit trade, livestock theft, the smuggling of illegal brews, and incidents of fraud and impersonation.

Both delegations underscored the importance of their ongoing bilateral dialogue, joint planning, and coordinated operations in maintaining stability along the 169-kilometre frontier. They agreed to expand the scope of future proximity meetings to incorporate Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) projects, environmental protection efforts, and increased joint military exercises, aiming to deepen community engagement.

Maj Gen Ruki Karusisi, Commander of the RDF 5th Division, highlighted the meeting’s spirit of openness and mutual respect. “As commanders, we reaffirm our close coordination, information sharing, and joint approach to emerging challenges,” he stated, noting that the engagement reinforced both nations’ shared commitment to peace and trust along the border.

His Ugandan counterpart, Maj Gen Paul Muhanguzi of the UPDF 2nd Infantry Division, reiterated Uganda’s commitment to implementing the meeting’s resolutions. He expressed gratitude for the strategic guidance from both countries’ leadership, which he said strengthens bilateral security cooperation.

The next Proximity Commanders’ Meeting is scheduled for June 2026 in Uganda, continuing a established diplomatic-military mechanism designed to proactively manage border issues and enhance regional stability through sustained defence collaboration.