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UPDF and RDF together with local leaders of Ankole for proximity meeting in Mbarara City recently
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By Our Reporter
Mbarara - In a significant step toward strengthening regional military cooperation, the Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF) and the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) are set to hold their first-ever joint sports activity this weekend. The UPDF 2nd Infantry Division will host the RDF 5th Infantry Division Football Club in a friendly football match on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Kyamate Playground in Ntungamo Municipality, Ntungamo District.
This historic event follows a series of Proximity Commanders’ engagements between the two forces and is seen as a major step toward enhancing cross-border cooperation.
According to a statement issued by Maj. Kiconco Tabaro, Public Information Officer for the UPDF 2nd Infantry Division, the RDF team will be officially received in Uganda by Maj. Gen. Paul Muhanguzi, Commander of the UPDF 2nd Infantry Division, alongside other senior military officers.
In addition to the football match, the two armies, in collaboration with local leaders, will carry out Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities in Ntungamo Municipality. These will include a route march through Ntungamo town, tree planting, and a blood donation drive.
“This is not just a football match — it’s a celebration of unity, peace, and shared responsibility in ensuring border security,” said Maj. Tabaro.
The football match is free of charge, and members of the public are strongly encouraged to attend and support this friendly engagement.
According to the statement, the match stems from a series of engagements held by both formations in Uganda and Rwanda, aimed at addressing border security challenges, combating cross-border crime, and promoting cooperation with local communities and other stakeholders.
“We planned several activities, which include regular Proximity Commanders’ meetings, coordinated operations, joint training, and sports activities, among others,” Maj. Tabaro noted.
He emphasized that these initiatives are expected to strengthen proximity cooperation, enhance the handling of cross-border crime, ensure the security of citizens, and support the socio-economic transformation of communities in border areas.
“These sports activities were recommended by the first, second, third, and fourth military engagements in both countries,” he added.
Maj. Tabaro also expressed gratitude to the leadership of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, and Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces, for their continued strategic guidance.
“We are always grateful for the strategic guidance given to us by our beloved Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, Gen. (Rtd.) Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, and the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba,” the statement concluded.
Torch Media Africa
