KIGALI — Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has concluded a two-day official working visit to Rwanda that combined high-level military engagements, discussions on regional cooperation, infrastructure tours, and a friendly basketball game with President Paul Kagame.
Gen Kainerugaba arrived in Kigali on July 25, 2026, for talks with senior leadership of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and a meeting with President Kagame.
Upon arrival, he was received by Rwanda’s Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Mubarakh Muganga, Commander of the Republican Guard Maj Gen Willy Rwagasana, and Uganda’s Defence Attaché to Rwanda, Col Ezekiel Matsiko.
The visit focused on strengthening military cooperation and exploring areas of mutual interest between Uganda and Rwanda, with discussions centred on bilateral relations, regional peace, security, and stability.
“President Kagame today received General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Chief of Defence Forces of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). Their discussions focused on the strong bilateral cooperation between Rwanda and Uganda, as well as regional peace, security, and stability,” Rwanda’s Presidency said.
During the visit, Gen Kainerugaba also toured key infrastructure developments in Kigali, including the expansion of King Faisal Hospital.
The hospital, which initially operated with 200 beds, is undergoing expansion to increase capacity to 400 beds. The upgraded facility will include an intensive care unit, VVIP wings, and a helipad.
The CDF also visited Nyandungu Eco Park, a recreational and environmental facility in Kigali, as well as Parklane Estate, a residential development in the Gacuriro area.
The infrastructure tours were conducted under the guidance of Kigali City Mayor Sam Dusengiyumva. The projects were developed by Shelter Group Africa, a company involved in several construction projects in Rwanda.
The visit also featured a lighter moment when Gen Kainerugaba joined President Kagame and Ugandan journalist Andrew Mwenda for an indoor basketball game.
Sharing images from the event, Mwenda joked about his performance on the court.
“Playing basketball with the president of Rwanda @PaulKagame and the CDF of Uganda @mkainerugaba,” Mwenda posted on X. “The messes I made would win me a sport in the Guinness Book of World Records as most disastrous player of all time.”
The engagement comes as Uganda and Rwanda continue efforts to strengthen relations following years of diplomatic tensions, including the closure of the Gatuna/Katuna border in 2019 due to disagreements between the two governments.
Both countries have in recent years renewed dialogue and increased engagements in areas including security, trade, and regional cooperation.
While the visit was welcomed by officials as a sign of improving bilateral ties, it also attracted debate online, with some commentators raising questions about the symbolism of closer engagement given past regional disputes and criticism surrounding Rwanda’s role in regional affairs.
The Ugandan government has maintained that continued dialogue and cooperation with neighbouring countries remain important for regional peace and stability.
