Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of Uganda, met with Gen. Mubarakh Muganga, the Chief of Defence Staff of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), at the RDF Headquarters in Kigali on August 12. This meeting was part of ongoing efforts to enhance security dialogue between the two nations.
The meeting, which included senior military officials from both countries, was attended by Maj. Gen. James Birungi, the Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security, Brig. Gen. Richard Karemire, who oversees the UPDF’s joint staff formal education, sports, and culture department, and Lt. Gen. Vincent Nyakarundi from Rwanda. The discussions focused on bilateral and regional security issues, underscoring the close relations and cooperation between Uganda and Rwanda.
Gen. Kainerugaba described this meeting as a return visit, following a visit by Gen. Muganga to Kampala in May. This visit highlights the commitment of both countries to maintaining and strengthening their security dialogues.
The visit also underscores the close relationship between the two nations, demonstrated further by the attendance of Ugandan officials at President Paul Kagame’s swearing-in ceremony on August 11. The event, held at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, was attended by Vice President Maj. Jessica Alupo, Richard Todwong, the Secretary General of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), and Gen. Kainerugaba. Their presence at the inauguration ceremony emphasized the strong diplomatic ties between Uganda and Rwanda.
Gen. Kainerugaba’s delegation to Kigali also included his cousin, Alexander Akandwanaho, and Andrew Mwenda, a close associate. During his visit, Gen. Kainerugaba, who also serves as the Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, is expected to meet with President Kagame to discuss further cooperation.
Gen. Kainerugaba is recognized for his role in resolving previous tensions that had disrupted business and movement between Uganda and Rwanda. His efforts are seen as pivotal in maintaining and enhancing the bilateral relationship between the two countries.
President Kagame was inaugurated on August 11 for a new five-year term following a decisive victory in the July 14-15 elections, where he secured over 99 percent of the votes. The inauguration ceremony was attended by approximately 45,000 people, including African heads of state and representatives from international organizations. The event was broadcast live across the country.
The inauguration followed Kagame’s overwhelming victory over his opponents, Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party and independent candidate Philipe Mpayimana. Habineza received 0.5 percent of the vote, while Mpayimana secured 0.32 percent, out of more than 8.9 million ballots cast in a 98 percent voter turnout, according to the National Electoral Commission (NEC).
