President Paul Kagame (Right) stresses a point to Gen Muhoozi in a meeting held in Kigali over the weekend
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Rwanda and Uganda have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening military cooperation and promoting regional peace after Rwandan President Paul Kagame held high-level talks with Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, in Kigali on Saturday.
The meeting, described as another milestone in the improving relations between the two neighbouring countries, focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation, regional security and stability, particularly amid ongoing security challenges in the Great Lakes region.
According to a statement issued by the Rwandan Presidency, President Kagame and Gen Kainerugaba reviewed the strong relationship between Rwanda and Uganda and discussed ways of further expanding cooperation between the two nations.
Regional security and stability
“The discussions focused on the strong bilateral cooperation between Rwanda and Uganda, as well as regional peace, security and stability,” the presidency said.
The meeting came shortly after Gen Kainerugaba arrived in Kigali for an official working visit intended to reinforce military ties between the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF).
His visit is also expected to include meetings with senior RDF commanders as both militaries explore additional areas of cooperation and discuss issues of mutual strategic interest.
Gen Kainerugaba was received upon arrival by Rwanda’s Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Mubarakh Muganga, the Commander of the Republican Guard, Maj. Gen. Willy Rwagasana, and Uganda’s Defence Attaché to Rwanda, Col. Ezekiel Matsiko, underscoring the importance attached to the visit by both countries.
Military officials say the engagements are intended to deepen defence collaboration while supporting broader regional efforts aimed at promoting peace, security and stability across East and Central Africa.
Saturday’s meeting is the latest in a series of high-level engagements that have become increasingly frequent as Kampala and Kigali continue rebuilding and strengthening relations following years of diplomatic tensions.
The two countries have, in recent years, made significant progress in restoring confidence through sustained political and military dialogue, replacing suspicion with regular consultations on shared security interests.
Since Gen Kainerugaba’s appointment as Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces in early 2024, his engagements with Rwandan military leaders have evolved from informal interactions into structured state defence consultations.
The meetings now form part of an institutional framework through which the UPDF and RDF coordinate on defence cooperation and regional security matters.
Intelligence sharing
Among the key areas of cooperation are strengthening operational coordination between the two armed forces, enhancing intelligence sharing and improving mechanisms for addressing cross-border security threats.
The discussions have also consistently focused on the deteriorating security situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where armed groups continue to fuel instability with implications for neighbouring countries.
Uganda and Rwanda share concerns over the persistence of insecurity in eastern DRC and have repeatedly emphasized the importance of coordinated regional approaches to restoring peace.
Officials familiar with the defence engagements say the two militaries are also working on implementing bilateral defence agreements designed to enhance mutual security and prevent cross-border criminal activities.
Such agreements are expected to facilitate closer cooperation in tackling terrorism, transnational crime and other emerging security threats affecting the region.
Saturday’s talks therefore extended beyond bilateral military relations to encompass wider regional peace initiatives that require cooperation among neighbouring states.
The continued dialogue between President Kagame and Gen Kainerugaba also reflects the growing role of military diplomacy in supporting broader political and economic relations between Rwanda and Uganda.
Security cooperation
Improved security cooperation has been accompanied by expanding cross-border trade, increased movement of people and renewed collaboration on regional integration initiatives, developments that analysts say have helped normalize relations after a prolonged period of strained ties.
The latest visit signals that both governments remain committed to maintaining open channels of communication at the highest military level as they seek lasting solutions to common security challenges.
For both Kampala and Kigali, sustained military engagement is increasingly viewed as a cornerstone for preserving stability along their shared border while contributing to peace efforts across the wider Great Lakes region.
As Gen Kainerugaba continues his working visit in Kigali, his scheduled meetings with senior Rwanda Defence Force commanders are expected to further strengthen operational cooperation between the two militaries and identify new areas of collaboration.
