Uganda and Rwanda Strengthen Cross-Border Security Cooperation

Mbarara City – Uganda, and Rwanda have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cross-border security and enhancing trade facilitation following the successful conclusion of the Third Uganda-Rwanda Cross Border Security Meeting held in Mbarara, Uganda, on February 27, 2025.

The high-level meeting, a continuation of efforts initiated under the 11th Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) in March 2023, follows two prior engagements in Kabale, Uganda, in December 2023 and Nyagatare, Rwanda, in May 2024.

The Ugandan delegation was led by Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Robert Rusoke, Uganda’s High Commissioner to Rwanda, while the Rwandan delegation was headed by Ambassador Vincent Karega, Rwanda’s Ambassador-at-Large and envoy to the Great Lakes region.

Key Discussions and Resolutions

The primary agenda of the meeting was to bolster cross-border security cooperation and facilitate the seamless movement of people and goods between the two neighbouring nations. Officials reviewed the current challenges in immigration, trade, customs, health, border demarcation, and security along the shared border.

The delegates acknowledged the progress made in implementing directives from the 14th Heads of State Summit of the Northern Corridor Integration Projects while also addressing anticipated challenges in operationalizing these initiatives.

Further, the meeting commended the successful implementation of previous resolutions and urged both nations to fully execute newly agreed recommendations to enhance bilateral cooperation.

Both delegations welcomed ongoing efforts to sustain open dialogue and collaboration, reinforcing their mutual commitment to peace and security.

Commitment to Good Neighborliness

After the meeting, Maj. Gen. Rusoke and Ambassador Karega praised the spirit of good neighbourliness that continues to define Uganda-Rwanda relations.

They expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the meeting and pledged to conduct regular follow-ups to ensure the implementation of the agreed-upon measures.

This latest engagement reflects a growing commitment by both governments to fostering regional stability, facilitating economic integration, and ensuring the safety of communities living along their shared border.