The UPDF military delegation returned after attending the 7th edition of the RDF-UPDF Proximity Commander’s meeting in Musanze District, Rwanda.
Held from February 18-20, the delegation engaged in talks with its Rwandan Defence Forces (RDF) counterparts.
Held at Hotel Classic in Musanze, Northern Province, the meeting included a guided tour of the Musanze Industrial Park and a visit to the Mutobo Ex-Combatants Rehabilitation and Reintegration Centre.
The meeting reviewed previous recommendations and addressed issues such as porous borders, human trafficking, and cross-border crime.
The delegations evaluated agreed-upon border-security initiatives and discussed responses to illegal cross-border movements, illicit trade, livestock theft, and other crimes.
Emphasis was put on the need for continuous dialogue and coordinated efforts to ensure border security and stability.
It also resolved to expand the scope of engagement to include local communities through military-to-military relations and Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) initiatives.
The UPDF delegation also had a courtesy call on the Governor of Northern Province and toured the Musanze Industrial Park and the Mutobo rehabilitation centre.
The UPDF 2 Infantry Division Commander Maj Gen Paul Muhanguzi reiterated UPDF’s commitment towards working closely with border communities for prosperity and avoiding conflict.
“We are moving steadily towards the prosperity of our border communities. We should not only focus on security issues but rather on the peaceful coexistence of our people,” he said.
Maj Gen Muhanguzi added: “We are the same people, we need to prosper, border communities will always have confidence in us as a pro-people army.”
The next meeting is scheduled to take place in Uganda in three months.
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