CDF Gen. Kainerugaba visit to Kigali deepens Uganda-Rwanda bilateral cooperation

KAMPALA - Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, recently concluded a two-day official working visit to Kigali, featuring discussions centred on strengthening Uganda-Rwanda relations, regional security, military cooperation, and new partnerships in sports development.

Highlights of the visit, which ended on Monday, July 27, 2026, included a meeting he had with  Rwandan President Paul Kagame. The CDF and his host on Sunday discussed ways of deepening bilateral relations while enhancing cooperation on regional peace, security and stability.

The visit marks another high-level engagement between Kampala and Kigali as the neighbouring countries continue efforts to strengthen diplomatic and military ties following years of strained relations that had affected cross-border trade and the free movement of people.

According to the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA), the discussions reflected the growing commitment by both countries to build on the progress achieved since diplomatic relations began improving.

The latest visit also builds on Gen. Kainerugaba’s previous diplomatic engagements in Rwanda, which have been credited with helping ease tensions that had culminated in the closure of the Uganda-Rwanda border and restrictions on trade and cross-border movement.

Gen. Kainerugaba expressed gratitude to President Kagame, Rwanda’s First Lady and the Rwanda Defence Force leadership for the hospitality extended to the Ugandan delegation.

“I would like to thank H.E. Paul Kagame, the First Lady of Rwanda and my counterpart General Mubarakh Muganga for the very warm welcome our delegation received in Rwanda. We had excellent discussions about our bilateral relations.

Uganda-Rwanda relations are stronger and warmer than ever. We thank our two Presidents, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and H.E. Paul Kagame, for their enlightened leadership of our two brotherly countries,” Gen. Kainerugaba said in a statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account.

His remarks underscored what officials described as the renewed warmth in relations between Kampala and Kigali.

The latest visit also builds on Gen. Kainerugaba’s previous diplomatic engagements in Rwanda, which have been credited with helping ease tensions that had culminated in the closure of the Uganda-Rwanda border and restrictions on trade and cross-border movement.

Following the restoration of relations, President Kagame publicly praised Gen. Kainerugaba during a visit to Uganda, saying that “great generals are not those who fight and win wars, but those who win peace,” in recognition of his contribution to rebuilding trust between the two countries.

Focus on economic and social development    

Beyond diplomacy and defence cooperation, Gen. Kainerugaba’s visit also focused on economic and social development.

During his stay, he toured several flagship infrastructure projects in Kigali, including the King Faisal Hospital Expansion Project, one of Rwanda’s major healthcare investments.

The hospital, which currently operates with 200 beds, is being expanded to accommodate 400 beds and will include intensive care units, VVIP wings and a helipad.

The project is being implemented by Shelter Group Africa as part of Rwanda’s broader infrastructure development agenda.

Gen. Kainerugaba also toured Nyandungu Eco Park, one of Kigali’s premier recreational and environmental conservation sites, before visiting the luxury Parklane Estate residential development in Gacuriro. The projects were showcased during a guided tour led by Kigali City Mayor Sam Dusengiyumva.

Discussion on basketball development

The visit further explored opportunities for cooperation beyond the military sphere. Gen. Kainerugaba held discussions with NBA Africa Chief Executive Officer Clare Akamanzi on expanding basketball development in Uganda.

The talks followed earlier engagements held in Uganda in March and focused on establishing a Junior NBA League in partnership with Uganda’s Ministry of Education and Sports.

According to officials, the proposed programme would not only nurture basketball talent among young people but also promote teamwork, discipline, leadership and a strong work ethic.

The discussions form part of NBA Africa’s broader strategy of partnering with governments and private sector players across the continent to develop sports infrastructure, digital services, creative industries and hospitality.

Uganda already has representation in the NBA-affiliated Basketball Africa League through clubs City Oilers and Namuwongo Blazers, while local broadcasters UBC and NBS are expected to begin airing NBA games in Uganda from September.

Gen. Kainerugaba’s visit began on Friday when he arrived in Kigali for bilateral engagements.

He was received by Rwanda Defence Force Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Mubarakh Muganga, Republican Guard Commander Maj. Gen. Willy Rwagasana and Uganda's Defence Attaché to Rwanda, Col. Ezekiel Matsiko.

During the visit, he also held discussions with senior Rwanda Defence Force leadership on strengthening military cooperation and other areas of mutual interest.