In a strategic move to solidify ties and enhance security across East Africa, President Paul Kagame hosted Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Chief of Defence Forces of the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF), for high-level discussions in Kigali on Saturday.

The meeting focused heavily on reinforcing bilateral cooperation between Rwanda and Uganda while tackling broader regional peace, defense, and stability challenges.

"Their discussions focused on the strong bilateral cooperation between Rwanda and Uganda, as well as regional peace, security, and stability," the Office of the President stated following the late-Saturday engagement.

Strategic High-Level Defense Diplomacy

Gen Muhoozi’s arrival at Kigali International Airport marked the beginning of a two-day official working visit intended to deepen ties between the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and the UPDF.

Upon landing, he was formally received by high-ranking military figures, including: Gen Mubarakh Muganga, Chief of Defence Staff of the RDF, Maj Gen Willy Rwagasana, Commander of the RDF Republican Guard, Col Ezekiel Matsiko, Uganda's Defence Attaché to Rwanda

Beyond his meeting with President Kagame, Gen Muhoozi engaged in detailed security briefings with senior RDF leaders to map out enhanced defense collaboration.

Sustaining Momentum in Bilateral Relations

This visit underscores a continuing trajectory of open dialogue and mutual security alignment between Kigali and Kampala.

The trip follows a previous high-profile working visit in March 2025, during which Gen Muhoozi engaged senior RDF commanders and addressed military officers at the Rwanda Defence Force Command and Staff College in Nyakinama, Musanze District. During that engagement, he delivered a lecture highlighting the critical role of African states in steering continent-wide peace and stability.

This latest round of talks reinforces both nations' commitment to proactive diplomacy, ensuring stable borders, and fostering shared security initiatives across the broader Great Lakes region.