Kigali, March 20, 2025 – Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has arrived in Rwanda for a working visit, marking another step in strengthening military cooperation between the two neighboring nations.

Gen Muhoozi landed at Kigali International Airport on the evening of Thursday, March 20, 2025, where he was received by his Rwandan counterpart, General Mubarak Muganga. This visit follows his earlier announcement in February 2025, where he publicly declared his intention to travel to Rwanda, referring to it as “my country of Abachwezi.”

Strengthening Military Cooperation

The visit includes high-level discussions with the leadership of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), focusing on existing military collaborations and regional security matters. Both nations have maintained close military ties, particularly in intelligence sharing and border security efforts.

Gen Muhoozi emphasized the deep historical and cultural connections between Uganda and Rwanda, stating, "I will soon visit our soldiers in RDF. After that, the Rwanda CDF will visit his troops in UPDF. Uganda and Rwanda are one! Always."

Context of the Visit

This is Gen Muhoozi’s second visit to Rwanda in less than a year. His last trip was in August 2024, when he attended the inauguration ceremony of President Paul Kagame. Prior to that, he played a key role in mending relations between Rwanda and Uganda, following years of diplomatic tensions that led to the closure of the Gatuna/Katuna border between 2019 and 2022.

The ongoing cooperation between RDF and the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) has been crucial in addressing security concerns in the Great Lakes region, particularly in counterterrorism efforts and conflict resolution in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

What to Expect from the Visit

During his stay, Gen Muhoozi is expected to meet with top government officials, including Minister of Defence Juvenal Marizamunda and other senior military officers. The discussions will likely cover regional security threats, peacekeeping operations, and future joint military exercises.

Observers view this visit as a reaffirmation of the growing ties between Kigali and Kampala, signaling continued efforts to ensure stability and mutual security interests.

This visit comes at a time when Rwanda is actively involved in regional security initiatives, including the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) operations in the eastern DRC and ongoing peace dialogues in the region.

Looking Ahead

As Uganda and Rwanda strengthen military and diplomatic relations, this visit is expected to pave the way for deeper security cooperation, mutual training programs, and coordinated efforts in addressing regional challenges.

The meeting between Gen Muhoozi and RDF leadership could also set the stage for more high-level engagements between the two nations, reinforcing their shared commitment to peace and security in East Africa.

Kigali, March 20, 2025 – Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has arrived in Rwanda for a working visit, marking another step in strengthening military cooperation between the two neighboring nations.

Gen Muhoozi landed at Kigali International Airport on the evening of Thursday, March 20, 2025, where he was received by his Rwandan counterpart, General Mubarak Muganga. This visit follows his earlier announcement in February 2025, where he publicly declared his intention to travel to Rwanda, referring to it as “my country of Abachwezi.”

Strengthening Military Cooperation

The visit includes high-level discussions with the leadership of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), focusing on existing military collaborations and regional security matters. Both nations have maintained close military ties, particularly in intelligence sharing and border security efforts.

Gen Muhoozi emphasized the deep historical and cultural connections between Uganda and Rwanda, stating, "I will soon visit our soldiers in RDF. After that, the Rwanda CDF will visit his troops in UPDF. Uganda and Rwanda are one! Always."

Context of the Visit

This is Gen Muhoozi’s second visit to Rwanda in less than a year. His last trip was in August 2024, when he attended the inauguration ceremony of President Paul Kagame. Prior to that, he played a key role in mending relations between Rwanda and Uganda, following years of diplomatic tensions that led to the closure of the Gatuna/Katuna border between 2019 and 2022.

The ongoing cooperation between RDF and the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) has been crucial in addressing security concerns in the Great Lakes region, particularly in counterterrorism efforts and conflict resolution in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

What to Expect from the Visit

During his stay, Gen Muhoozi is expected to meet with top government officials, including Minister of Defence Juvenal Marizamunda and other senior military officers. The discussions will likely cover regional security threats, peacekeeping operations, and future joint military exercises.

Observers view this visit as a reaffirmation of the growing ties between Kigali and Kampala, signaling continued efforts to ensure stability and mutual security interests.

This visit comes at a time when Rwanda is actively involved in regional security initiatives, including the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) operations in the eastern DRC and ongoing peace dialogues in the region.

Looking Ahead

As Uganda and Rwanda strengthen military and diplomatic relations, this visit is expected to pave the way for deeper security cooperation, mutual training programs, and coordinated efforts in addressing regional challenges.

The meeting between Gen Muhoozi and RDF leadership could also set the stage for more high-level engagements between the two nations, reinforcing their shared commitment to peace and security in East Africa.