Rwanda and Uganda appear to be on course to bury the hatchet despite a lingering history of tension and conflict, including allegations of espionage, political interference and support for hostile rebel groups.
This week, Rwandan President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame hosted Uganda’s first son General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who celebrated his 49th birthday in Rwanda signalling thawing relations.
Kagame’s hosting of Muhoozi – who is increasingly positioning himself as a successor to his father President Yoweri Museveni – has renewed optimism for lasting peace between the two countries whose relationship over the last decade has largely been hot and cold amid counter-accusations of espionage and economic sabotage.
“You can have peace but at the same time, you may not be friends. This time I think we have both – we are friends and we are at peace. Thanks to you General Muhoozi for your role in this and for your conviction and for being that bridge we used to cross from one side to another,” President Kagame said during the exclusive birthday dinner held on April 24.