As he arrived in Rwanda, Lt Gen Muhoozi has been received by Chargé d’Affaires at Uganda’s Embassy in Kigali, Anne Katusiime; the Commandant of Republican Guard, Brigadier General Willy Rwagasana and the Spokesperson of Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), Col Ronald Rwivanga.
He is coming to Rwanda for the second time after the recent visit aimed at creating new avenues for normalized ties between Rwanda and Uganda.
Gatuna border had been closed in 2019 following Rwanda’s concerns over Uganda’s support to dissidents intending to threaten its security and series of arrests of Rwandans incarcerated illegally in the country.
At the time, Rwanda advised citizens not to travel to Uganda for their security following testimonies of over 1000 Rwandans tortured and deported from Uganda.
The decision has had negative impact to citizens’ of both neighboring countries.
Apart from worsened relations, the value of trade between both countries dropped from US$250 million in 2018 to US$10 million.
Talks between Lt Gen Muhoozi and President Kagame on 22nd January 2022 are believed to have bore fruits leading to a step further towards restoring relations to normal.
Before the visit of Lt Gen Muhoozi, Rwanda and Uganda had tried to mend relations through the mediation of DRC and Angola but ended up in vain.
Lt Gen Muhoozi recently revealed that he planned to return to Kigali in the following days to resolve pending issues affecting relations between Rwanda and Uganda.
“After a long discussion with my uncle, President Kagame, this morning we have agreed that I return to Kigali in the coming days to sort out all outstanding issues between Uganda and Rwanda,” he tweeted towards the end of February 2022.
Following the visit to Rwanda of Lt Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Operations and Commander of Land Forces of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) on 22nd January 2022, the Government of Rwanda announced that Gatuna border connecting the country to Uganda will reopen effective from 31st January 2022 following the country’s willingness to address issues raised by Rwanda.
The move was followed by the reopening of all land borders on 7th March 2022.
Passengers crossing to Uganda are required to present different travel documents including Passport and Laissez – Passer.
The country has also requested passengers living far from the borders to present negative COVID-19 PCR Test Results. However, residents nearby the borders with Uganda are allowed to present Rapid Test.
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