By Faridah N Kulumba
Africa-Press – Uganda. The Republic of Uganda and Rwanda Rwanda’s relations have recently normalized. This can be noticed in the frequent meetings that have been held between the two nations. In the past few years, the two East African neighbouring countries have been having conflicts that resulted in closing the border for three years.
The conflicts
In February 2019 the president of Rwanda Paul Kagame ordered the closure Katuna border between Rwanda and Uganda. Rwanda accused Uganda of harbouring Nyamwasa’s fighters and arbitrarily detaining and torturing Rwandan nationals—charges Uganda denied. The border was opened in 2922, after a high-profile meeting between the authorities from both countries. Uganda and Rwanda have long harboured mutual suspicions and hostilities, partly stemming from historical ties between both countries’ politics and security. Tensions were raised between the central African neighbours, fuelled by accusations of espionage and support for each other’s dissidents. On 19th December 2023, Ugandan and Rwandan security officials convened the first high-profile cross-border meeting marking a significant development since the Katuna border’s reopening on January 31, 2022.
Recent engagements
This month Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba also first son travelled to Rwanda for a high-profile meeting with President Kagame. Uganda’s CDF’s visit followed a series of high-level security meetings between Uganda and Rwanda, including a recent cross-border security meeting held in Mbarara, Uganda, on February 27, 2025. During this meeting authorities from both nations discussed efforts to strengthen security cooperation and ease the movement of goods and people between the two countries. The February security meeting played a pivotal role in shaping the ongoing military collaboration between Uganda and Rwanda. Muhoozi’s visit also comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Great Lakes region, particularly in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have seized key territories, prompting international condemnation. In past years, Rwanda accused Uganda of being linked to hostile groups, including the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) — an armed rebel group operating in the Eastern DR Congo, and the Rwanda National Congress (RNC), which is a Rwandan Opposition group. In the past fortnight, Muhoozi has made several announcements on social media platform X about the trip to Kigali. “When I’m in Kigali, I will also sign a Defence Pact between Uganda and Rwanda,” said Muhoozi.“Anyone who attacks any of our countries will have declared war on both countries,” he added, before departing for Kigali.
First son the mediator
The news about the reopening of the border between Uganda and Rwanda was announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who said that it followed the visit by then Ugandan Lt. Gen. Muhoozi — who is also President Yoweri Museveni’s son. The Rwandan statement said the government had taken note there is a process to solve issues raised by Rwanda, as well as commitments made by the Ugandan government to address remaining obstacles. In August 2024, Uganda’s military chief went to Kigali, Rwanda to attend President Kagame’s swearing-in ceremony, which took place at Amahoro Stadium. Gen Muhoozi and his delegation’s presence at the ceremony highlighted the close and often complex relationship between Uganda and Rwanda, two neighbouring countries with deep historical ties. Despite the relations between Uganda and Rwanda seeing periods of tension in recent years, the presence of Gen Muhoozi and his team at this significant occasion is being interpreted as a positive step toward fostering regional stability and cooperation.
Both nations’ commitments to further enhancing bilateral cooperation
On 6th May 2024 – Rwanda hosted the second cross-border security meeting between Rwanda and Uganda. The meeting convened to further strengthen cooperation between both countries and ease cross-border movements and trade. The main purpose of the meeting was to further strengthen cooperation and ease the movement of persons and goods between the two countries. Also in August 2024, the Rwanda Defence Force (2nd and 5th Infantry Divisions) and the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (2nd Infantry Division) convened a meeting in Uganda, Mbarara District aimed at strengthening cross-border cooperation and curbing cross-border crimes between Rwanda and Uganda. The meeting discussed ways to combat cross-border illegal activities and developed strategies to address the challenges facing border communities. Rwanda and Uganda share a lot of history from way back before the establishment of the High Commission in Kampala. Both being landlocked countries they have always depended on each other for the development of their economic and diplomatic ties and strived to keep good relations for peaceful coexistence.
Uganda border Challenges
The East African landlocked country has been facing challenges of security along some borders surrounding the country due to conflicts. The country’s strategic security environment is characterized by her lack of access to the sea coast, the shallow strategic depth, shared natural resources, as well as regional and international obligations. Over, Uganda’s security threats have diversified to include non-military ones for instance environmental degradation, and epidemics, which are sometimes characterized by instability and social upheaval.
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