The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) and Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) held a historic football match on Saturday, 31 May at Kyamate Playground in Ntungamo Municipality, drawing thousands of civilians and military personnel in a celebration of regional unity and cooperation.
The UPDF 2 Infantry Division football team edged out their counterparts from the RDF 5 Infantry Division with a 4–3 win in penalties, taking the trophy in what was dubbed the first “Proximity Game” between the two forces. Despite the result, the message from both sides was clear: the real victory was the strengthened camaraderie and shared purpose.
“There was no winner or loser at Kyamate playground,” said the Chief Guest, Lt Gen (Rtd) Jim Owoyesigire, former Uganda Air Force Commander. “We all won.”
The event began with a joint march through Ntungamo town, led by the UPDF 2 Infantry Division brass band. The match featured military officers and personnel from both forces, including Maj Gen Paul Muhanguzi (UPDF 2 Infantry Division Commander), Brig Gen Pascal Muhizi (RDF 5 Infantry Division Commander), Brig Gen Richard Karemire (UPDF Joint Staff – Formal Education, Sports and Culture), Brig Gen Emmanuel Shillingi (Uganda’s Defence Attaché in Rwanda), and Col Emmanuel Ruzindana (Rwanda’s Defence Attaché in Uganda), among others.
Lt Gen (Rtd) Owoyesigire hailed the choice of Kyamate as symbolic, recalling its place in Uganda’s liberation history. “It is here in Kyamate where the search for truth by His Excellency Gen (Rtd) Yoweri Kaguta Museveni started nearly 70 years ago. That struggle, of course, was supported by many from your country, including His Excellency Gen Paul Kagame,” he said.
He emphasised that Uganda and Rwanda are neighbours and closely linked communities. “In our struggles for freedom and democracy, gallant men and women from both countries fought side by side. These are unbreakable bonds. President Kagame and many Rwandans played a key role in our liberation, just as Uganda was instrumental in Rwanda’s struggle,” he added.
Lt Gen Owoyesigire described the match as “symbolic of our ongoing cooperation, not just as independent states but as brothers.” He stressed that regional cooperation should go beyond political and diplomatic forums. “It must be visible on the ground, in fields, entertainment venues, and communities like Kyamate and Musanze.”
Both Division Commanders, Maj Gen Muhanguzi and Brig Gen Muhizi, expressed gratitude to the Presidents of Uganda and Rwanda and UPDF’s Chief of Defence Forces as well RDF’s Chief of Defence Staff for their commitment to maintaining cordial relations.
Other activities included planting commemorative trees at Kyamate Playground to highlight the military’s contribution to environmental conservation.
At Kyamate, civilians were treated to a free medical camp organised by the UPDF 2 Division medical team in partnership with the Ntungamo Red Cross, local health services, and the Rukungiri Blood Bank. Services included HIV testing and counselling, Hepatitis screening, malaria testing and treatment, blood pressure checks, and blood donation.
Dignitaries present included: Ntungamo Resident District Commissioner Mr. Isiah Kanyamahane, Woman MP Mrs. Kamateneti Bata, Mayor Mr. Jackjex Kafureka, Assistant District Health Officer Ms. Beatrice Chemusto, religious leaders, senior military officers, and community leaders.
Also in attendance were Brig Gen Sam Kakuru, former Deputy Chief of Personnel and Administration; Brig Gen (Rtd) Tumwebaze Okello, Coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation; and Mr. Savimbi, the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) spokesperson for Western Uganda.
The next round of sports activities between the two armies will be hosted by the RDF in Rwanda.
