The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) and Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) held a historic football match 31st May at Kyamate Playground in Ntungamo Municipality, drawing thousands of civilians and military personnel in a celebration of regional unity and cooperation.
The UPDF 2nd Infantry Division Football team edged out their counterparts from the Rwanda Defence Forces 5th Infantry Division with a 4–3 win in penalty shootouts taking the trophy in what was called the first “Proximity Game” between the two Forces. Despite the result, the message from both sides was clear and the real victory was the strengthened camaraderie and shared purpose.
The Chief Guest at the function, the former Uganda Airforce Commander Lt Gen Jim Owoyesigire, hailed the two teams and said that there was no winner or loser at Kyamate playground and all the two teams won.
The event began with a joint street march through Ntungamo Municipality led by the UPDF 2nd Infantry Division brass band and featured military officers and personnel from both forces, led by the UPDF 2nd Infantry Division Commander Maj Gen Paul Muhanguzi, Rwanda Defence Forces 5th Infantry Division Commander Brig Gen Pascal Muhizi, the UPDF Joint Staff – Formal Education, Sports and Culture Brig Gen Richard Karemire, Brig Gen Emmanuel Shillingi who is Uganda’s Defence Attaché in Rwanda and Col Emmanuel Ruzindana (Rwanda’s Defence Attaché in Uganda Col Emmanuel Ruzindana among many others.
Lt Gen (Rtd) Owoyesigire hailed the choice of Kyamate as symbolic, recalling its place in Uganda’s liberation history.
“It is here in Kyamate where the search for truth by His Excellency Gen Yoweri Kaguta Museveni started nearly 70 years ago. That struggle for Uganda’sliberation was of course supported by many from both countries including His Excellency Gen Paul Kagame,” Owoyesigyire said.
Lt Gen Owoyesigyire emphasised that Uganda and Rwanda are neighbours and closely linked communities.
“In our struggles for freedom and democracy, gallant men and women from both countries fought side by side. These are unbreakable bonds. President Kagame and many Rwandans played a key role in our liberation, just as Uganda was instrumental in Rwanda’s struggle,” He added.
Lt Gen Owoyesigire described the match as “symbolic of our ongoing cooperation, not just as independent states but as brothers.” and stressed that regional cooperation should go beyond political and diplomatic forums.
“It must be visible on the ground, in fields, entertainment venues, and communities like Kyamate and Musanze.” He said.
Both Division Commanders, Maj Gen Muhanguzi and Brig Gen Muhizi, expressed gratitude to the Presidents of Uganda and Rwanda and UPDF’s Chief of Defence Forces as well RDF’s Chief of Defence Staff for their commitment to maintaining cordial relations.
Other activities included planting commemorative trees at Kyamate Playground to highlight the military’s contribution to environmental conservation.
At Kyamate, civilians were treated to a free medical camp organised by the UPDF 2nd Division medical team in partnership with the Ntungamo Red Cross, local health services and the Mbarara Blood Bank with services which included HIV testing and counselling, Hepatitis screening, malaria testing and treatment, blood pressure checks and blood donation.
The event was attended by several dignitaries wgo included the Ntungamo Resident District Commissioner Isiah Kanyamahane, Ntungamo District Woman Member of Parliament Hon Kamateneti Bata, Ntungamo Municipality Mayor Jackjex Kafuureka, Assistant District Health Officer Ms. Beatrice Chemusto, religious leaders, senior military officers, and community leaders.
Also in attendance were former UPDF Deputy Chief of Personnel and Administration Brig Gen Sam Kakuru, the Coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation Brig Gen (Rtd) Tumwebaze Okello, Cordinator of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) spokesperson for Western Uganda Ndugu Savimbi.
According to the UPDF 2nd Infantry Division Public Information Officer Major Kiconco Tabaro, the next round of sports activities between the two armies will be hosted by the Rwanda Defence Forces in Rwanda on a date to be announced in the near future.
