EDITOR
The Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) 2 Infantry Division is set to host the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) 5 Infantry Division football club for a historic friendly football match on 31 May 2025 at Kyamate Playground in Ntungamo Municipality, Ntungamo District.
This event marks the first-ever sports engagement between military formations of the UPDF and RDF, following a series of Proximity Commanders’ engagements. It represents a significant milestone in fostering cooperation, trust, and camaraderie between the two forces.
The RDF sports team will be formally received in Uganda by Major General Paul Muhanguzi, the UPDF 2 Infantry Division Commander, along with other senior UPDF military officials. The match is open to the public and free of charge, with strategic allies — including civilians — encouraged to attend and enjoy the game.
In addition to the football match, the two military teams, in collaboration with local leadership, will conduct several Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities in Ntungamo Municipality. These include a route march through Ntungamo town, tree planting, and a blood donation drive, symbolizing the shared commitment to community well-being and environmental sustainability.
This sporting event is the result of multiple engagements held in both Rwanda and Uganda, with objectives centered around enhancing border security, combating cross-border crime, and promoting coordination among border communities and stakeholders.
Planned joint activities also include regular Proximity Commanders’ meetings, coordinated operations, joint training exercises, and more sports activities. These initiatives are designed to strengthen mutual understanding and operational efficiency in addressing cross-border security challenges.
“This cooperation lays a strong foundation for socio-economic transformation, security enhancement, and a deeper bond between our military formations, which are tasked with safeguarding the borders of our respective nations,” said UPDF leadership in a joint statement.
The event is being held under the strategic guidance of the President of Uganda and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, Gen (Rtd) Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, and the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, whose continued leadership has been instrumental in fostering this cross-border cooperation.
