The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations (SPA/SO), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, hosted Charlene Ruto, daughter of Kenyan President William Ruto, at the Special Forces Command (SFC) Headquarters in Entebbe on Wednesday.
The high-level courtesy visit underscores the enduring and multifaceted relationship between the Republic of Uganda and Kenya, two key partners within the East African Community (EAC). The engagement further reflects the strong bonds of cooperation that continue to define relations between Kampala and Nairobi.
Ms. Ruto was accompanied by a distinguished delegation that included the Honorary Consul of Morocco, George Nkya; Festus Orina; Varsheeni Ragupathy; and Jane Frances Acilo.
Muhoozi extended a warm welcome to Ruto and her delegation, reaffirming Uganda’s commitment to maintaining and strengthening bilateral ties with Kenya.
“Uganda and Kenya share a brotherhood that goes beyond geography. Our cooperation—whether in security, trade, or people-to-people engagement—remains essential for the stability and prosperity of our region. We are committed to deepening these ties for the benefit of both our nations,” he said.
In turn, Ms. Ruto expressed her sincere appreciation to the CDF for the gracious reception and generous hospitality accorded to her and her team.
The visit follows a recent announcement by Muhoozi through his official X (formerly Twitter) account, in which he signaled his intention to visit Kenya and meet with President William Ruto in the near future. The anticipated visit further demonstrates the shared commitment of leaders in both countries to deepen cooperation and reinforce longstanding diplomatic relations.
Uganda and Kenya share more than a common border. Communities across both nations speak similar languages and uphold intertwined cultural traditions and ancestral values, forming a unique and enduring bond between their peoples. These social and cultural linkages have laid a strong foundation for sustained political and economic collaboration.
Beyond historical and cultural ties, the diplomatic and economic partnership between the two nations remains robust and strategically significant. Kenya continues to be Uganda’s leading trade partner, with bilateral trade volumes surpassing USD 1.5 billion (Shs 5.31 trillion) in 2025, making it a cornerstone of the regional economy.
As a landlocked country, Uganda relies heavily on Kenya’s critical infrastructure, particularly the Port of Mombasa, which serves as the primary gateway for the majority of Uganda’s imports and exports. This strategic interdependence underscores the importance of maintaining cordial and cooperative relations at all levels of leadership, including between key institutions such as the military.
