Rwanda’s Paul Kagame Praises Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba During Birthday Party In Kigali
Rwandan President Paul Kagame has applauded Ugandn First Son Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba for being the ambassador of peace between Rwanda and Uganda.
Kagame made the comments while speaking during a birthday party organized in honor of Gen Muhoozi at State House in Kigali, Rwanda.
According to Kagmame, the budding relations between Uganda and Rwanda are a result of the tireless efforts of Gen Muhoozi, who has worked so hard to see both countries at peace and now “friends” again.
‘We are seeing peace between our two countries. You can have peace but at the same time, you may not be friends. But this time, I think we have both. We are friends and we are at peace, thanks to you Gen.Muhoozi for your conviction for being that bridge,” Kagame said.
General Muhoozi thanked President Kagame, whom he said went from being a president to a personal friend.
“And that mark of friendship was the cows that he gave me and I take that very seriously,” Gen Muhoozi said.
He said that the cows which were ten in number have since reproduced and are 17 now.
Gen. Muhoozi arrived at Kigali International Airport on Sunday in the company of Justice and Constitution Affairs Minister Norbert Mao and Maj Gen Jim Muhwezi, the Minister of Security.
Other members of the General’s delegation are Veteran Journalist Andrew Mwenda, Kitgum Woman MP Lillian Aber, his cousin Alexander Mukonzi Akandwanaho, businessman Geoffrey Kalugira, Eng. Joel Aita and Counsel Elison Karuhanga among others.
Despite this being about General MK’s birthday, more high-level talks to further improve the relations between Uganda and Rwanda were expected to take place.
Last year, Gen Kainerugaba visited Rwanda three times with the initial visit to Kigali leading to the reopening of the Gatuna border which had been closed for three years. The Rwandan leader also flew to Kampala and attended a State Dinner on Gen MK’s 48th birthday. President Kagame, who fought in the Uganda bush war of 1981-86, held several discussions with his Ugandan counterpart.
During the Rukundo Egumeho Thanksgiving Concert held on Wednesday, April 19 in Kabale, Gen Kainerugaba said that since the reopening of the Gatuna border, trade between Uganda and Rwanda has tremendously improved, reaching an all-time high of $20m in business transactions per month.
Before the closure, Gen MK said the annual trade was $200 million, which translated to $17m per month. During the period the border was closed the figure stood at $60,000, according to records from the Bank of Uganda.
