Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has arrived in Kigali, Rwanda, for an official working visit aimed at strengthening relations and military cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.
Upon his arrival, Gen Kainerugaba was received by his Rwandan counterpart, Gen Mubarakh Muganga, the Chief of Defence Staff of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF).
During his stay, Gen Kainerugaba is expected to hold talks with senior officials of the RDF and meet Rwandan President Paul Kagame.
The discussions are expected to focus on deepening defence and security cooperation, as well as other areas of mutual interest between Uganda and Rwanda.
The visit marks another high-level engagement between the military leadership of the two countries. Gen Kainerugaba has previously visited Kigali for discussions with President Kagame and senior Rwandan military officials, engagements that have been linked to efforts to strengthen bilateral relations.
Uganda and Rwanda have in recent years worked to improve relations following a period of diplomatic tensions that affected cross-border movement and trade. Gen Kainerugaba played a prominent role in high-level engagements that contributed to the easing of tensions and the reopening of the Gatuna-Katuna border in 2022.
The latest visit comes amid continued security challenges in the Great Lakes region, including instability in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where regional security concerns have heightened the importance of cooperation among neighbouring states.
The visit is expected to provide an opportunity for the two military establishments to discuss shared security interests and explore ways of enhancing cooperation between the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the RDF.
