By KT Reporter
Ugandan military officials and their Rwandan counterparts have recommended joint military training exercises to boost the curb against border crime between the two countries.
The recommendation was reached during the third Proximity Commanders meeting between Uganda Peoples’ Defense Forces (UPDF) and Rwanda Defense Forces (RDF) Commanders from 28–30 November 2024 at Classic Resort Lodge in Nyakinama, Musanze District, Northern Province, Rwanda.
The meeting attracted military officials led by RDF Army Chief of Staff, Maj Gen Vincent Nyakarundi and UPDF Land Forces Commander, Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga. Other officials that attended included: Maj Gen James Birungi, Chief Defense Intelligence and Security of UPDF, Col Regis Katarayiha, RDF Head Defence Intelligence, RDF 5 Infantry Division Commander, Brig Gen Pascal Muhizi and Uganda’s Defense Advisor to Republican of Rwanda, Brig Gen Emanuel Shillingi.
Major Kiconco Tabaro, the UPDF 2nd Infantry Division Public Information Officer said that the joint training is seen as a breakthrough in ensuring effective operations against cross-border and transnational crime. According to Tabaro, the joint training exercises will address issues of a tactical and operational nature hence focusing on preparedness and readiness to sufficiently handle any situation at the borderline that requires effort of coordination and information/intelligence sharing among the two armies.
Maj Gen Nyakarundi credited the cross-border meetings saying that cross-border issues are now resolved more efficiently through direct coordination between field commanders. He says that previously, border issues required lengthy processes involving embassies or higher headquarters in Kampala and Kigali.
Lt Gen Muhanga, also said that engagements have significantly improved coordination and cooperation between the two forces, enabling them to work together more smoothly and resolve issues quickly. Officials also visited key historical sites in Rwanda, including the Kigali Genocide Memorial and the Campaign against Genocide Museum.
The visits provided insights into the tragic events of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, where over one million lives were lost, and the heroic efforts of the Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA) to stop the genocide and rebuild the nation on principles of unity and reconciliation.
Uganda and Rwanda are steadily restoring relationships following the closure of the border between 2019-2022. In 2019, Rwandan President Paul Kagame ordered the closure of the border after accusing Ugandan authorities of spying on Rwanda, abducting Rwandan citizens and locking them in non-designated areas, as well as hosting and facilitating dissidents who have declared war on the Kigali administration.
Rwanda then issued a travel advisory to its nationals against travelling to Uganda, saying their safety was not guaranteed. At the time the border was closed, five Ugandans were shot dead by Rwanda security personnel on accusations of carrying out smuggling.
On January 31, 2022, the Rwandan government resolved to re-open the border.
During the border closure, about six people both Ugandans and Rwandan nationals, were shot dead by Rwandan security operatives over smuggling. Even after the border re-opened, traders on the Ugandan side accused Rwandan authorities of blocking some of the goods, especially maize flour, from crossing into their country. Cases of items smuggled to Uganda from Rwanda continue to be registered.
On August 20, 2024, Kabale district security authorities arrested 18 cattle traders after illegally transporting 38 cattle from the Rubaya, Butanda, and Ryakarimira Town Council sub-counties to Kasese district-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
