He emphasised that both countries are members of the East African Community (EAC) and, as such, should not harbour forces hostile to one another.
Major General Muhanguzi made the remarks on February 19, 2026, while leading a delegation of Ugandan soldiers on a visit to Rwanda. The delegation toured the National Commission for Demobilization and Reintegration (RDRC) center in Mutobo, located in Musanze District.
The visit aimed to familiarise Ugandan officers with Rwanda’s demobilisation and reintegration programs, which support the transition of former combatants, including members of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) and their families, back into civilian life.
Many of these former fighters had been operating from eastern DRC, where members of the militia group responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi sought refuge after their defeat by the Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA).
Speaking during the visit, Maj Gen Muhanguzi stressed that regional cooperation requires member states to prevent armed groups from operating within their borders.
“Rwanda should never have enemies originating from Uganda, and likewise, no enemy should be allowed to come from Rwanda to Uganda. However, we want Congo to ensure that it does not harbour enemies that attack both Uganda and Rwanda,” he said.
Maj Gen Muhanguzi praised former FDLR fighters who have chosen to return to Rwanda, saying many still have the capacity to contribute to national development alongside other citizens.
“A country is not built by one individual; it is built by all its people,” he added. “I also commend President Kagame for his leadership of Rwanda, and you, too, should come to understand the truth and return to your home.”
According to the RDRC, since 2001, a total of 12,602 former combatants have been reintegrated into civilian life. However, testimonies from returnees indicate that a number of former fighters, particularly from the FDLR, remain in hiding in the forests of eastern DRC.
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