RWANDA- A delegation of UPDF Military Officers led by the 2nd Infantry Division Commander Brig Gen Paul Muhanguzi are in Musanze District in Northern Rwanda for three days security meeting.
According to the 2nd Infantry Division Public Information Officer Major Kiconco Tabaro, 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.
The Ugandan Delegation was received at Kyanika Border by the 2nd Infantry Division Commander of Rwanda Defence Forces Brig Gen Frank Mutembe and the 5th Infantry Division Commander Brig Gen Pascal Muhizi.
While speaking at the conference, 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 also had an engagement with the Mayor of Musanze District Nsengimana Claudien and 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.
Major Kiconco Tabaro said that significant strides have been made, since engagements in Nyangatare and Mbarara because there is great improvement in sharing information and Intelligence between Rwanda Defence Forces 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.
The engagements have also reduced cross borders thefts and increased awareness on drug dealings among others and 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 Muhanguzi extended special thanks to the Leadership of Rwanda Defence Forces and UPDF particularly our 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 fulfill the vision of our great leaders” Brig Gen Muhanguzi.
The Conference was attended by the Operational and Tactical proximal commanders along Rwanda – Uganda Border who included the Defence Advisor of Uganda to Rwanda Brig Gen Dr Emanuel Shillingi, the Defence Advisor of Rwanda to Uganda Col Emanuel Luzindana, 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
