Military officers from Rwanda and Uganda have wrapped up their seventh Proximity Commanders’ Meeting aimed at strengthening border security and deepening bilateral cooperation.

The three-day engagement, which concluded on Friday, February 20, in Musanze District, brought together senior officers from the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) 2nd and 5th Divisions and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) 2nd Infantry Division, deployed along the shared border.

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The RDF said the engagement was conducted "in the spirit of bilateral cooperation, strong ties and mutual respect between the two forces.”

Led by Maj Gen Ruki Karusisi of RDF’s 5th Division, Brig Gen Deo Rusanganwa of the 2nd Division, and UPDF’s Maj Gen Paul Muhanguzi, the delegations reviewed progress on recommendations from the previous session held in Kabale, Uganda, in October 2025.

Discussions covered a range of cross-border security concerns, including illegal movements, human trafficking, illicit trade, livestock theft, smuggling of illicit brew, fraud, among other issues.

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According to RDF, both sides evaluated the effectiveness of ongoing coordination mechanisms and information-sharing frameworks designed to curb such activities and maintain stability in border communities.

Participants emphasized the importance of sustaining regular engagements to prevent incidents and ensure timely resolution of emerging security concerns.

The commanders also agreed on the need to broaden the scope of proximity meetings by involving local communities. This, they noted, would be achieved through Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) initiatives, environmental protection programmes, and joint military exercises.

The expansion, RDF said, is intended to strengthen trust between security forces and border residents while promoting shared responsibility in safeguarding peace and stability.

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On Thursday, the delegations visited the Mutobo Demobilisation and Reintegration Centre in Musanze, gaining insights into programmes supporting the reintegration of former combatants from the FDLR and other armed groups, along with their dependants, from DR Congo.

The delegations also toured economic sites in Northern Province, including the Musanze Industrial Park, Gorilla Textile Ltd, and CIMERWA cement factory.