UGANDA, RWANDA REAFFIRM MILITARY TIES AS GEN. MUHOOZI HOSTS GEN. MUBANGANA TO DINNER AT LAKE VICTORIA SERENA
The high-level engagement underscored the warm and strategic relationship between Uganda and Rwanda, particularly in the area of defence and regional security.
In a strong display of enduring regional military cooperation, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, on Saturday night hosted his Rwandan counterpart, General Mubarakh Muganga, for a formal dinner at the luxurious Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa in Kigo.
The high-level engagement underscored the warm and strategic relationship between Uganda and Rwanda, particularly in the area of defence and regional security. The dinner was attended by a host of top military and security officials from both nations, signaling the strength and importance of continued bilateral cooperation.
In his remarks, Gen. Muhoozi expressed deep appreciation for Gen. Muganga’s visit and lauded the longstanding military partnership between the two countries. He credited the visionary leadership of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and President Paul Kagame for fostering stability and camaraderie between the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF).
“It was my honour and pleasure to host my brother, the Chief of Defence Staff of RDF, to a dinner in his honour. I thank General Muganga for responding to my invitation and coming to deliver a lecture of opportunity to officers attending the senior staff and command course in Jinja,” Gen. Muhoozi posted on social media. “Long live the brotherly relations between UPDF and RDF! God bless Uganda and Rwanda!”
General Muganga, who was in Uganda to deliver a key lecture to UPDF officers at the Senior Command and Staff College in Kimaka, Jinja, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the warm hospitality.
“Uganda is my second home,” he stated, adding that the visit was nostalgic, as it took him back to the roots of his military journey.
The visiting RDF Chief of Defence Staff has deep ties to Uganda, having begun his military career in the country. In 1985, Gen. Muganga joined the National Resistance Army (NRA), now UPDF, and trained at the Singo training facility for his basic military course.
He subsequently underwent further training under the British Military Advisory Training Team (BMATT) at the School of Infantry Non-Commissioned Officers Academy (NCOA) at Gaddafi Barracks in Jinja. In 1988, he enrolled in the Officer Cadet Course at the same school, graduating in 1989 as a Second Lieutenant.
The senior Rwandan military officer praised Uganda's role in shaping his military foundation and acknowledged Gen. Muhoozi's efforts to enhance military education and cooperation in the region.
Gen. Muganga was accompanied by Brigadier General Ronald Rwivanga, the Spokesperson of the Rwanda Defence Force. The UPDF delegation included Commander Land Forces Lt. Gen. Kayanja Muhanga, Inspector General of Police Abbas Byakagaba, and other senior officials from the UPDF, Uganda Police Force, and Uganda Prisons Service.
The event served not only as a ceremonial engagement but also as a reaffirmation of the strong brotherly bond between Uganda and Rwanda’s military institutions. The two generals reaffirmed their shared commitment to collaborate on ensuring security and peace within the East African region.
The occasion marks yet another milestone in the growing trust and operational synergy between the two neighbouring countries, setting a solid foundation for future joint operations, training programs, and peacekeeping initiatives.
