President Paul Kagame on Sunday received Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, in Kigali for high-level discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation and advancing peace, security and stability across the Great Lakes region.
According to the Office of the President of Rwanda, President Kagame and Gen. Muhoozi exchanged views on the strong bilateral cooperation between Rwanda and Uganda, reaffirming the commitment of both countries to further strengthen relations and promote lasting peace and close collaboration for the benefit of the region.
Gen. Muhoozi arrived in Kigali on Saturday for an official working visit, where he was welcomed at Kigali International Airport by the Chief of Defence Staff of the Rwanda Defence Force, Gen. Mubarakh Muganga. He was also received by Maj. Gen. Willy Rwagasana, Commander of the Republican Guard, and Uganda’s Defence Attaché to Rwanda, Col. Ezekiel Matsiko.
During his stay, the Ugandan military chief is holding discussions with senior Rwanda Defence Force commanders aimed at deepening military cooperation, strengthening institutional ties between the two armed forces and exploring other areas of mutual interest.
The visit is the latest in a series of high-level engagements that have become increasingly frequent since Rwanda and Uganda embarked on restoring relations after years of diplomatic tensions.
Military diplomacy has played a central role in rebuilding trust, with Gen. Muhoozi emerging as one of the key figures involved in fostering renewed engagement between Kigali and Kampala. Since 2022, he has made several visits to Rwanda and has consistently advocated for closer cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.
Relations between Rwanda and Uganda have improved significantly over the past four years following sustained diplomatic efforts by both governments.
A major breakthrough came in January 2022 when the two countries agreed on a roadmap to normalize relations, culminating in the reopening of the Gatuna-Katuna border in February that year after nearly three years of closure.
The reopening revived cross-border trade, eased the movement of people and goods, and marked a significant step toward rebuilding confidence between Kigali and Kampala.
The latest discussions also come at a time when regional security remains high on the agenda of East African leaders, particularly as instability persists in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Rwanda and Uganda have repeatedly emphasized dialogue, regional cooperation and coordinated security efforts as essential to achieving lasting peace and stability in the Great Lakes region.
Officials from both countries said the meeting between President Kagame and Gen. Muhoozi reaffirmed the shared determination of Kigali and Kampala to continue strengthening political, defence and security cooperation while working together to advance regional integration, peace and sustainable stability.
