THE UPDF AND RDF HELD THE 8TH EDITION OF PROXIMITY COMMANDERS  MEETING IN UGANDA

The Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) delegation, led by Maj Gen Ruki KARUSISI, the RDF 5 Infantry Division Commander attended the 8th edition Proximity Commanders’ Meeting, today 27, August 2026 held in Mbarara, Uganda.

Up on arrival, the RDF delegation was received by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), 2 Infantry Division Commander, Maj Gen Paul MUHANGUZI along with subordinate commanders and staff.

Prior to the meeting, the two delegations joined local leaders and community members in Kamwezi Sub-County, Rukiga District, for a joint tree-planting activity.

In his opening remarks, Maj Gen Paul MUHANGUZI welcomed the RDF delegation and emphasized that Rwanda and Uganda share more than a physical border. He stressed that peace in Rwanda contributes to peace in Uganda and vice versa, underscoring the importance of continued joint efforts to maintain security for communities on both sides of the border.

Maj Gen Muhanguzi concluded by expressing appreciation to the Commanders-in-Chief and Chiefs of Defence Staff of both countries for their visionary leadership and continued efforts to promote unity, cooperation, and good relations between Rwanda and Uganda.

His counterpart, Maj Gen Ruki KARUSISI, thanked the hosts for the warm welcome. He emphasized that the common border should remain a space for peace, lawful movement, trade, and cooperation rather than a source of insecurity or misunderstanding.

He further noted that commanders have a responsibility to maintain open channels of communication, strengthen confidence between the two forces, and ensure that emerging issues are addressed through dialogue and appropriate coordination.

Maj Gen Karusisi highlighted that the strong relationship between Rwanda and Uganda provides a solid foundation for further cooperation at the military level.

The meeting is part of a series of quarterly engagements that bring together RDF and UPDF commanders whose units are deployed along the Rwanda–Uganda border. It aims to assess the security situation, address cross-border security challenges, strengthen coordination, and develop lasting solutions to issues affecting communities on both sides of the border.