Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has hailed improving relations with Rwanda after a two-day working visit to Kigali that included talks with President Paul Kagame and senior military officials.
Gen. Kainerugaba, who arrived in Rwanda on July 25, said discussions during the visit focused on strengthening relations between the two countries, with an emphasis on military cooperation, regional peace and security.
In a message posted on X after concluding the visit, Kainerugaba thanked Kagame, First Lady Jeannette Kagame and Rwanda Defence Force Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Mubarakh Muganga for hosting his delegation.
“We held very fruitful discussions on relations between our two countries,” Kainerugaba said. “The relationship between Uganda and Rwanda is strong and continues to improve more than ever before.”
He also praised the leadership of Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and Kagame, saying their efforts had played an important role in strengthening ties between the two countries, which he described as “brotherly nations.”
During the visit, Kainerugaba held talks with Muganga and other senior Rwanda Defence Force officials on ways to further enhance cooperation between the armed forces of Uganda and Rwanda.
He was also received by President Kagame, with whom he discussed bilateral relations as well as peace and security in the region.
Rwanda’s Office of the President said the discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations and advancing efforts to promote peace and security.
Kainerugaba was welcomed upon arrival at Kigali International Airport by Muganga. Other officials present included Maj. Gen. Willy Rwagasana, commander of Rwanda’s Republican Guard, and Uganda’s Defence Adviser in Rwanda, Col. Ezekiel Matsiko.
The visit marked Kainerugaba’s second trip to Rwanda since 2025. During his previous visit in March 2025, he met senior Rwanda Defence Force officials to discuss military cooperation and visited the Nyakinama Military Academy in Musanze District.
While at the academy, Kainerugaba delivered a lecture on African cooperation in maintaining peace and security, saying Uganda and Rwanda’s armed forces have the capacity to address security challenges when working together.
