Strengthening the Strategic Alliance Between Rwanda and Uganda

As part of the strategic partnership and cordial relations between Uganda and Rwanda, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Chief of the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF), Special Presidential Advisor, and son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, paid a two-day official working visit to Kigali, beginning on Saturday, 25 July 2026.

The high-level visit formed part of the ongoing dialogue between Rwanda and Uganda aimed at strengthening their bilateral relations and contributing to regional stability, particularly against the backdrop of persistent insecurity in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The visit featured a formal military reception, high-level bilateral talks, and tours of major development projects.

Upon his arrival in Kigali for the two-day working visit, the Ugandan military leader was welcomed at the international airport by his Rwandan counterpart, General Mubarakh Muganga, Chief of Defence Staff of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF). This first joint military engagement provided an opportunity for the two delegations to strengthen security cooperation mechanisms and align efforts towards mutual defence.

Following this military engagement, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba was received by President Paul Kagame at Village Urugwiro. According to official communications from the Rwandan Presidency, the high-level discussions mainly focused on the strong bilateral partnership between Rwanda and Uganda, which has witnessed gradual rapprochement in recent years, as well as on issues of peace, security, and stability in the Great Lakes region.

The discussions reaffirmed that the ties between the two nations were “stronger and warmer than ever,” further consolidating the shared vision of Presidents Yoweri Museveni and Paul Kagame to ensure lasting peace. Throughout his 48-hour stay, the Ugandan Chief of Defence Staff also continued his engagements with RDF officials to thoroughly examine ways of deepening military cooperation and ensuring seamless cross-border coordination.

Beyond the strictly security and diplomatic aspects, this two-day official visit was further enriched by visits to several key sites, ongoing projects, and flagship developments in Rwanda’s capital city. Guided by the Mayor of Kigali, Samuel Dusengiyumva, and accompanied by sectoral delegations, the intensive two-day programme covered a wide range of areas, from the expansion project of King Faisal Hospital and the Nyandungu Eco-Park to the Gacuriro residential complex.

The visit was also marked by moments of informal interaction and conviviality, highlighting the effectiveness of soft power through warm exchanges and shared leisure activities that strengthened the personal and political bonds between the leaders.