After concluding a packed official visit to Rwanda, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has described relations between Kigali and Kampala as “stronger and warmer than ever,” capping off two days of high-level diplomacy, military engagement and warm hospitality that underscored the remarkable transformation in ties between the two neighbouring countries.
In a message shared after returning to Uganda, Gen. Kainerugaba expressed gratitude to President Paul Kagame, First Lady Jeannette Kagame and Rwanda Defence Force Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Mubarakh Muganga for the reception accorded to the Ugandan delegation.
“I would like to thank H.E. Paul Kagame, First Lady Rwanda and my counterpart General Mubarakh Muganga for the very warm welcome our delegation received in Rwanda. We had excellent discussions about our bilateral relations.”
“Uganda-Rwanda relations are stronger and warmer than ever. We thank our two Presidents, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and H.E. Paul Kagame, for their enlightened leadership of our two brotherly countries. Murakarama,” he wrote.
The visit was far more than a series of formal meetings. It unfolded as a carefully choreographed display of renewed trust between two countries whose relations have steadily improved in recent years.
During his stay, Gen. Kainerugaba held talks with President Kagame at Village Urugwiro, where the two leaders exchanged views on bilateral cooperation as well as regional peace, security and stability.
The discussions reaffirmed the commitment of both governments to deepen collaboration in areas of mutual interest and promote lasting stability in the Great Lakes region.
Earlier, the Ugandan army chief was received at Kigali International Airport by RDF Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Mubarakh Muganga before the two defence chiefs held extensive military discussions aimed at strengthening cooperation between the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF).
The cordial interactions reflected the growing confidence between the two militaries, which increasingly view cooperation as essential to regional security.
Beyond official engagements, Gen. Kainerugaba experienced another side of Rwanda through visits that showcased the country’s rapid development and hospitality.
He toured the King Faisal Hospital Expansion Project, where he was briefed on one of Rwanda’s most ambitious healthcare infrastructure investments.
The facility, which initially operated with 200 beds, is being expanded to accommodate 400 beds and will feature advanced intensive care units, VVIP wings and a helipad, reflecting Rwanda’s commitment to building a world-class healthcare system.
The Ugandan delegation also visited Nyandungu Eco Park, one of Kigali’s flagship environmental restoration projects, where the relaxed atmosphere offered a glimpse of Rwanda’s emphasis on conservation, recreation and quality urban living.
Another stop was Parklane Estate in the Gacuriro neighbourhood, a luxury residential development that highlights Kigali’s fast-growing real estate sector and modern urban planning.
The visits provided Gen. Kainerugaba with an opportunity to witness firsthand the infrastructure transformation that has become synonymous with Rwanda’s development agenda.
His itinerary also extended beyond defence and infrastructure. In Kigali, Gen. Kainerugaba met NBA Africa Chief Executive Officer Claire Akamanzi to discuss opportunities for developing basketball in Uganda.
The meeting followed earlier discussions held in Kampala in March and reflected expanding cooperation between the two countries in sports development and youth empowerment.
Throughout the visit, the Ugandan delegation was seen interacting warmly with Rwandan officials, reflecting an atmosphere of mutual respect and friendship that contrasted sharply with the tensions that once characterised relations between Kigali and Kampala.
The blend of official meetings, development tours and informal exchanges projected a relationship that has moved beyond diplomatic normalcy toward genuine partnership.
The visit generated positive reactions among many Ugandans on social media, where users welcomed the growing warmth between the neighbouring countries. Many argued that stronger ties would translate into greater regional stability, increased trade, tourism, investment and easier cross-border movement for ordinary citizens.
Gen. Kainerugaba’s farewell message captured the spirit of the visit. More than a diplomatic courtesy, it reflected an appreciation for the warmth, openness and hospitality extended to his delegation during their stay in Rwanda.
His closing word, “Murakarama,” a traditional Kinyarwanda greeting expressing goodwill and respect, served as a fitting conclusion to a visit that celebrated not only stronger state-to-state cooperation but also the enduring bonds between two peoples whose histories, cultures and futures remain closely connected.
