RDF Chief of Defense Staff Delivers Strategic Lecture on African Solutions to African Problems at UPDF Command Course

Kimaka, Uganda — May 10, 2025

In a powerful demonstration of regional military cooperation and intellectual engagement, the Chief of Defense Staff of the Rwanda Defense Force (RDF), General Mubarakh Muganga, delivered a thought-provoking lecture today to faculty and students of the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) Senior Command and Staff Course in Kimaka, Uganda.

The lecture, titled “The Pursuit of African Solutions to African Problems: A Case of Rwanda’s Bilateral Interventions on the African Continent,” focused on Rwanda’s strategic role in promoting security and stability across Africa through regional cooperation and tailored interventions.

General Mubarakh underscored Rwanda’s firm belief in the principle that Africa’s challenges are best understood—and solved—by Africans themselves. Drawing from Rwanda’s experience in peacekeeping and bilateral support missions across the continent, the General outlined how the country has consistently responded to security threats facing allies and partners through timely, well-coordinated interventions rooted in mutual respect and strategic cooperation.

He noted that Rwanda’s military engagements are not acts of dominance, but of solidarity: a commitment to preserving peace, protecting civilians, and supporting African nations in building sustainable internal resilience.

“Our engagements are anchored in the belief that we, as Africans, must take ownership of our security landscape. Regional stability can only be achieved if we seize both bilateral and multilateral opportunities to address the threats that compromise our collective growth,” General Mubarakh emphasized.

The lecture also highlighted the importance of joint training, intelligence sharing, and capacity building among African militaries. General Mubarakh praised the UPDF for its consistent professionalism and expressed appreciation for the warm reception and continued collaboration between the Rwandan and Ugandan armed forces.

Participants in the session welcomed the General’s insights with enthusiasm, noting the relevance of Rwanda’s model in current continental dynamics, where external solutions often fall short of understanding complex local realities.

This lecture marks another milestone in Rwanda’s proactive diplomacy and security leadership in the region. As African countries increasingly recognize the value of self-driven initiatives, Rwanda’s contributions continue to inspire a wave of confidence in the continent’s ability to forge its own path toward peace and prosperity.