Musanze: Rwanda and Uganda Deepen Strategic Cooperation Through Security, Reintegration and Industrial Engagement

A high-level delegation from the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), accompanied by commanders of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) deployed along the Uganda Rwanda border, visited the Mutobo Demobilisation Centre in Musanze District in a move to strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.

The visit focused on understanding Rwanda’s approach to disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration of former combatants, particularly those formerly affiliated with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) and other armed groups operating in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The Centre plays a critical role in receiving ex-combatants, screening them, and preparing them for reintegration into civilian life through structured programmes.

Officials at Mutobo presented a comprehensive overview of services offered, including vocational skills training, civic education, psychosocial counselling, and socio-economic empowerment initiatives.

These programmes are designed not only to facilitate a smooth transition from military to civilian life but also to prevent relapse into armed conflict. Dependants and associated civilians are equally supported, ensuring that reintegration is inclusive and sustainable.

Members of the Ugandan delegation expressed appreciation for Rwanda’s holistic model, noting that durable peace requires more than military containment—it demands rehabilitation, reconciliation and economic opportunity. The visit created a platform for knowledge sharing on how regional security efforts can be aligned with humanitarian and development objectives.

On February 18, 2026, the Governor of the Northern Province, Maurice Mugabowagahunde, officially received the Ugandan delegation led by Maj Gen Paul Muhanguzi. Their discussions centred on enhancing cooperation in tourism, industrial development and cross-border trade as key drivers of sustainable growth. The meeting brought together senior military commanders from Rwanda’s Northern and Eastern Provinces, security officials, and district leaders from Musanze, Gicumbi and Burera border districts that play a strategic role in Rwanda–Uganda relations.

Leaders on both sides emphasized the importance of turning shared borders into corridors of opportunity. They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening security coordination while simultaneously promoting economic integration that benefits communities living along the frontier. Cross-border trade facilitation, joint investment initiatives and improved infrastructure were highlighted as essential pillars for long-term prosperity.

In addition to security and governance discussions, the delegation toured major industrial facilities located in the Musanze Industrial Zone. These included Gorilla Textile Ltd, a garment manufacturing company contributing to job creation and local production, and CIMERWA, Rwanda’s leading cement producer supporting infrastructure development nationwide.

The industrial visits provided Ugandan officials with firsthand insights into Rwanda’s progress in manufacturing, value addition and investment promotion. The exchange of experiences opened avenues for potential collaboration in industrial growth and regional supply chains, reinforcing the link between security cooperation and economic transformation.

The engagement in Musanze reflects the growing trust and renewed partnership between Rwanda and Uganda. By integrating peacebuilding initiatives such as reintegration programmes at Mutobo with economic diplomacy and industrial development, the two countries are demonstrating that sustainable stability in the region depends on coordinated security measures and inclusive economic progress.