Summary:
Gen Kainerugaba’s visit comes amid regional tensions, particularly in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan.
KIGALI: The Chief of Defence Forces of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has arrived in Kigali, Rwanda, for high-level discussions with senior leaders of the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) and a meeting with Rwandan President H.E. Paul Kagame.
Gen Kainerugaba’s visit comes amid regional tensions, particularly in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan. This marks his second trip to Kigali in recent months, following his attendance at President Kagame’s inauguration ceremony in August last year.
Upon his arrival in Kigali on Thursday afternoon, he was received by his Rwandan counterpart, Gen Mubarak Muganga, alongside other high-ranking RDF officials. Accompanying him are UPDF Joint Staff – Legal Brig Gen Asingura Kagoro and veteran journalist Andrew Mwenda.
During his previous visit, Gen Kainerugaba met with President Kagame and held talks at the RDF headquarters. This time, in addition to diplomatic engagements, he is expected to tour select military installations and interact with RDF personnel. As Uganda’s Senior Presidential Adviser for Special Operations, his visit underscores efforts to strengthen military cooperation and bilateral relations.
Gen Kainerugaba has been widely recognized for his role in resolving recent tensions between Uganda and Rwanda, which had disrupted economic activities and restricted cross-border movement. His diplomatic efforts have helped restore historically close ties between the two nations, which share deep cultural, familial, and geographical connections.
These high-profile engagements continue to foster peace and cooperation between Uganda and Rwanda, reinforcing stability in the region.
