Musanze, 28 November 2024

The Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) is hosting the third Proximity Commanders meeting with the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) from 28–30 November 2024 in Musanze, Northern Province, to address challenges impacting border communities.

Attending the 3-day meeting, were the Second and Fifth Infantry Division Commanders from RDF, the Second Infantry Division Commander and his delegation from UPDF, and Defence Attachés from both nations. These leaders convened to discuss strategies to combat negative activities impacting the border region.

Brig Gen Frank Mutembe, RDF's 2nd Infantry Division Commander, welcomed the UPDF delegation and emphasized the importance of collaboration in addressing illicit activities on the border. “Such meetings are aimed at discussing challenges our border communities usually face, including drug dealing, illegal border crossing, smuggling, and deforestation,” he noted.

The head of the UPDF delegation, Brig Gen Paul Muhanguzi, expressed gratitude to the leadership of both armies and their Chiefs of Defence Staff for facilitating the meeting. “We continue to thank our Heads of State for creating this enabling environment. It is a great honour to fulfil the vision of our great leaders and review security requirements for our border communities,” he said.

Before the meeting officially commenced, the delegation paid a courtesy visit to Musanze district officials, joined by the Mayors of Burera and Gicumbi districts, which border Uganda.