A delegation of UPDF Military Officers led by the 2nd Infantry Division Commander Brig Gen Paul Muhanguzi arrived in Musanze District in northern Rwanda yesterday 28th November 2024 morning for three days security meeting.
The meeting will focus on resolutions of previous meetings, implementation of the resolutions, any emerging security issues which could be affecting border communities and will also look into the real perspective of border security.
Brig Gen Frank Mutembe, 2 Infantry Division Commander of RDF and Brig Gen Pascal Muhizi, the 5 Infantry Division Commander of RDF received the UPDF delegation at Cyanika border post.
While speaking at the conference, Brig Paul Muhaguzi thanked the leadership of Rwanda Defence Force for the warm welcome extended to the UPDF delegation.
“On behalf of Uganda People’s Defence Forces, and on my behalf, I take this opportunity to express our sincere appreciations for the warm and brotherly welcome given to us, all the way from Cyanika in Kisoro district to Musanze in Rwanda, thank you very much for this cordial welcome” he Said.
Brig Gen Frank Mutembe said that the meeting would be another occasion to foster methods of addressing the illicit actions at the borderline .
“Such meetings are aimed at discussing challenges border communities usually face. These challenges are dominantly by drug dealing, illegal border crossing, smuggling, as well as deforestation,” he said.
The delegation had an engagement with the Mayor of Musanze district Mr Nsengimana Claudien, the Mayor Gicumbi and Burera Districts in Musanze.
These engagements will continue to focus on the need for excellent border security measures which will facilitate prosperity for the border communities without them being involved in illegal activities.
The 1st Proximity Commanders’ meeting was held at Epic Hotel Nyagatate District in Rwanda May 2024 while the Second one was hosted in November 2024 at Les Vegas Hotel Mbarara.
Brig Gen Frank Mutembe welcomed the Military officers and emphasized that the meeting is another occasion to foster methods of addressing illicit actions at the borderline.
“Such meetings are aimed at discussing challenges our border communities usually face, these challenges are dominantly; drug dealing, illegal border crossing, smuggling, as well as deforestation,” he said.
Significant strides have been made, since engagements in Nyangatare and Mbarara; there is great improvement in sharing information and Intelligence between RDF and UPDF Commanders of proximal formations, joint meetings at tactical level have been successful, increased use of legal crossing points noticeable, improved trade between border communities has been registered, reduced cross borders thefts and increased awareness on drug dealings among others.
Important also is the fact that other actors are moving at the same pace and in the correct direction and all is proving to be successful.
The conference acknowledged other institutions of two Governments for working tirelessly to ensure growth and harmony in areas of border security, trade and movement people among others.
Brig Gen Paul extended special thanks to the Leadership of RDF and UPDF particularly Chiefs of Defence Forces for allowing Commanders to meet and plan security requirements for communities our borderline.
“We continue to thank our heads of state; for the Republic of Rwanda Gen Paul Kagame and the Republic of Uganda Gen Yoweri Museveni for this enabling environment and indeed it’s a great honour and privilege to fulfil the vision of our great leaders” Brig Gen Muhaguzi.
Attending the conference are Operational and Tactical proximal commanders along Rwanda – Uganda border, Brig Gen Dr Emanuel Shillingi, Defence Advisor of Uganda to Rwanda, Col Emanuel Luzindana Defence Advisor of Rwanda to Uganda, Chiefs of Defence Intelligence and Security of two Countries and other strategic Commanders from two Countries are expected in Musanze Rwanda at the closure of the Security conference.
Maj Kiconco Tabaro
UPDF 2nd Infantry Division Public Information Officer
