The Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) and Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) proximity Commanders have concluded the Security Conference that identified key priority areas that range from mobilisation and sensitisation of border communities to conducting joint Military training exercises in an effort seen as a breakthrough in ensuring effective operations against cross border and transnational crime.
The joint training exercises will address issues of tactical and operational nature hence focusing on preparedness and readiness to sufficiently handle any situation at the borderline that requires effort of coordination, togetherness and information/intelligence sharing among the two Armies.
The UPDF Commander Land Forces, Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga, while at the closure of the Conference at Classic Resort Lodge in Nyakinama in Musanze District in the Republic Rwanda, emphasized need to embrace coordination and corporation of the two Forces in order to address security challenges that may affect socio-economic transformation of the people.
“These regular meetings and proposed training exercises are very important, Uganda and Rwanda are brothers, we need each other in areas of trade and security for prosperity of our people, we are the same people and we need to unite ” Lt Gen Kayanja said.
He further highlighted the positive impact of the egagements between two forces on bilateral relations since the first proximity Commanders meeting in Nyangatare – Rwanda.
“These engagements have significantly improved coordination and cooperation between our two forces, enabling us to work together more smoothly and resolve issues quickly,” Lt Gen Muhanga emphasized
Speaking about the resolutions made, the Rwanda Defence Forces Army Chief of Staff, Maj Gen Vincent Nyakarundi, emphasized that cross-border issues are now resolved more efficiently through direct coordination between proximity commanders.
“Previously, border issues required lengthy processes involving embassies or higher headquarters in Kampala and Kigali. Today, commanders on the ground can address these problems swiftly, either through direct meetings or phone calls,” He said.
According to the UPDF 2nd Infantry Division Public Information Officer, Major Kiconco Tabaro, the Conference concluded with the the UPDF 2nd Infantry Division Commander Brig Gen Paul Muhanguzi and the Rwanda Defence Forces 2 Infantry Division Brig Gen Frank Mutembe sighing a joint communique which has details and timelines on implementation of the adopted resolutions.
The event was attended by high level Military officials that included Chief Defence Intelligence and Security of UPDF, that includeed Maj Gen James Birungi the Rwanda Defence Forces Head Defence Intelligence Col Regis Katarayiha, the Rwanda Defence Forces 5 Infantry Division Commander, Brig Gen Pascal Muhizi, Uganda’s Defence Advisor to Republican of Rwanda, Brig Gen Emanuel Shillingi, Rwanda’s Defence Advisor to the Republic of Uganda, Rwanda Defence Forces and UPDF Brigade Commanders, Battalion Commanders, Intelligence officers and liaison Officers.
