UGANDA- The UPDF 2nd Infantry Division yesterday received a military Delegation from Rwanda Defence Forces at Mirama border post in Ntungamo District.
The delegation comprises of military officers from Rwanda Defence Forces 2nd Infantry Division, the 5th Infantry Division and Rwanda Defence Advisor to Uganda Col Emmanuel Ruzindana.
These are Commanders from proximity units along Uganda and Rwanda borders and have actively been engaged in handling cross border crime and security together with other stakeholders.
The UPDF 2 Infantry Division Commander, Maj Gen Paul Muhanguzi received Rwandan Military delegation at Mirama Hills led by Brig Gen Pascal Muhizi, Rwanda Defence Forces of 5th Infantry Division who led the Rwandan delegation.
While making opening remarks at the Igongo Country Hotel and Cultural Centre in Mbarara city Maj Gen Muhanguzi expressed gratitude to Rwanda Defence Forces Commanders for coming to Uganda which demonstrate a strong desire and commitment towards the vision of Gen Paul Kagame and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
The meeting is focussed on reviewing earlier deliberations and assessing progress so far made in creating a conducive environment for prosperity of our Border communities and therefore, our Nations at large.
He highlighted the steps made towards curtailing cross border crime and henceforth promoting security for both countries and said that he is confident that significant steps have been made since the initiation of proximity Commanders’ meetings where Commanders communicate regularly especially when handling Cross border security related issues.
Maj Gen Muhanguzi appealed for Commanders to continue relating harmoniously in order to achieve the gland objective of Commanders in Chief of Uganda and Rwanda.
“This will lead to a great improvement in the way border communities relate in aspects of security, prosperity and overall socio economic transformation of our countries” Maj Gen Muhanguzi said.
On his part, the head of Rwanda Defence Forces delegation Brig Gen Pascal Muhizi expressed gratitude to UPDF for the warn reception accorded to the delegation and expressed sincere gratitude for the hospitality and generosity and emphasized the fact that a lot has been achieved since the commencement of proximity Commanders’ meetings,
“This shows that all of us understand the importance of these interactions aimed at addressing challenges we normally face along our borders” Brig Gen Muhizi Said.
Brig Gen Muhizi urged military Commanders and Staff officers to maintain the same spirit and invest more effort in order to fullfil the Commander’s intent.
The meeting was attended by the UPDF 2nd Infantry Division Operations and Training officer, Col Armstrong Nduga, Brigade Commanders, Battalion Commanders and Intelligence Officers and they both delegations later made a courtesy call Ntungamo and Rukiga District Leaders at Ntungamo District Headquarters.
According to the UPDF 2nd Infantry Division Public Information Officer Major Kiconco Tabaro, the meeting will run for three days and previous meetings were held in Nyagatare and Musanze in Rwanda as well as Mbarara City.
