KIGALI — President Paul Kagame hosted Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces and Senior Presidential Adviser for Special Operations, in Kigali for discussions centred on strengthening cooperation between Uganda and Rwanda and advancing shared interests in regional peace, security and stability. The meeting took place during Gen. Kainerugaba’s two-day working visit to Rwanda in July.
The engagement reaffirmed the close working relationship between the two countries and the importance both sides continue to place on dialogue, defence cooperation and coordination on security matters affecting the wider region.
Gen. Kainerugaba’s latest visit builds on a series of engagements with President Kagame over recent years that have contributed to the improvement of relations between Kampala and Kigali. Those engagements were particularly significant during efforts to resolve the diplomatic tensions that had previously affected cross-border movement, trade and relations between the two neighbouring countries.
President Kagame has previously recognised Gen. Kainerugaba’s role in that process, remarking:
“Great generals are not those who fight and win wars, but those who win peace.”
The latest talks therefore continued an established channel of engagement between the two leaders, with regional stability remaining a central area of shared interest.
Gen. Kainerugaba’s programme in Kigali also included engagements with the leadership of the Rwanda Defence Force. He was received on arrival by Rwanda’s Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Mubarakh Muganga, together with Republican Guard Commander Maj. Gen. Willy Rwagasana and Uganda’s Defence Attaché to Rwanda, Col. Ezekiel Matsiko.
Beyond the security engagements, Gen. Kainerugaba’s visit included a tour of key infrastructure developments in Kigali and discussions with NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi on expanding basketball development opportunities in Uganda, including proposals for a Junior NBA League.
The meeting with President Kagame remained the central engagement of the visit, reinforcing the continued importance of Uganda–Rwanda cooperation and regular high-level dialogue in addressing common interests and maintaining stability in the region.
