The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces and the Tanzania People’s Defence Force have pledged to deepen bilateral security cooperation following a landmark meeting aimed at reinforcing peace and stability along the Uganda-Tanzania border.
Held in Tanzania’s Misenyi District from May 7 to 9, the inaugural proximity commanders’ meeting brought together senior military officials from the TPDF 202 Infantry Brigade and the UPDF 1 Infantry Division for high-level discussions on regional security, intelligence sharing, and cross-border coordination.
The meeting was co-chaired by Brigadier General Gabriel Elias Kwiligwa, Commander of the TPDF 202 Infantry Brigade, and Colonel Michael Walaka Hyeroba, Deputy Commander of the UPDF 1 Infantry Division, in what both sides described as a significant step toward strengthening defence relations between the neighbouring countries.
Brig Gen Kwiligwa said the engagement underscored a shared commitment to cooperation, mutual trust, and collective responsibility in safeguarding the common border.
He stressed that closer collaboration between the two forces would help address persistent security threats while fostering stability and prosperity for citizens on both sides.
Col Hyeroba echoed the sentiment, describing the meeting as an important platform for advancing defence cooperation and promoting the broader vision of East African integration.
“We come open-hearted to discuss whatever challenges arise at the border for constructive engagement,” he said.
As part of the engagement, military delegates conducted field visits along the border to assess the prevailing security environment and observe daily community activities in frontier areas. The delegation also visited Kabindi and Minziro villages in Misenyi District, where they met local leaders and residents to better understand the security concerns affecting border communities.
Officials urged residents to continue coexisting peacefully and to respect the laws and regulations of both countries in order to strengthen harmonious relations and unlock shared economic opportunities.
The talks highlighted growing concerns over cross-border crime and emerging terrorism threats, prompting both militaries to agree on enhanced intelligence sharing, tighter surveillance, and coordinated operations aimed at preserving security along the border corridor.
The two sides further resolved to institutionalise the proximity commanders’ meetings on a rotational basis every six months, signalling a long-term commitment to sustained military cooperation.
The meeting was also attended by Tanzania’s Defence Attaché to Uganda, Brigadier General Festo J. Machua, alongside senior military officers from both nations.
