Rwanda : Rwanda- Uganda discuss border security

Security officials from Rwanda and Uganda have agreed on improving border security so as to facilitate trade between the two countries.

The two countries share borders in the east and northern parts of Rwanda and western part of Rwanda.

Senior army officers from both countries held a one day meeting security meeting at Hotel Urumuri, Gicumbi Town, on 15 May 2012, aimed at assessing the security situation at the border between the two countries.

Major General Alexis Kagame the head of RDF 2nd Division based in the Northern Province, met with the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) Division 2 Commander, Brigadier General Patrick Kankiriho- who was accompanied by other UPDF senior officers

The meeting is a follow-up of exchange visits of Chiefs of Defense, UPDF and RDF to Rwanda and Uganda respectively. Defense Ministers in October 2011 signed an MOU on cooperation on defense, whereby among others, the proximity Commanders are tasked to conduct regular exchange visits to promote peace and security in their areas.

Maj. Gen. Alexis Kagame said that there is need to finding ways of maintaining security on both borders so as to enable peaceful trade between the two communities. He noted that some citizens on both sides still use illegal ways to cross the border and it is the role of security organs to bring an end to these practices

On the Ugandan side, Brig. Gen. Kankiriho said that the cooperation between Uganda and Rwanda is excellent and the two countries will continue meeting so as to find better solutions for the citizens.