Rwanda and Uganda are now warming their bilateral ties after years of hostile relations. The memoranda of understanding signed by the two countries aim at facilitating cooperation in various areas. 

Rwanda and Uganda recently signed memoranda of understanding to renew cooperation, the Rwandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced last Friday. 

The cooperation agreements, signed during a meeting of the 11th Joint Permanent Commission between Rwanda and Uganda, cover justice and constitutionalism, mutual legal assistance, diplomatic and political consultations, and migration issues.

“We have a unique opportunity to set a new course for our two countries, one that is based on mutual respect, cooperation, and a shared vision for the future,” said Vincent Biruta (photo, right), Rwandan Minister of Foreign Affairs.  

The move comes after years of hostile relations between the two Central African countries. Their relations were previously torn by mutual accusations of spying, kidnapping, and support to rebels.  In April 2022, Rwandan President Paul Kagame made his first state visit. The visit was made a week after the Ugandan government announced the expulsion of Robert Mukombozi, a supporter of Rwanda's main opposition party, the Rwandan National Congress (RNC). During his visit, he met his Ugandan counterpart President Yoweri Museveni and even attended the birthday party of the latter’s son,  Muhoozi Kainerugaba. 

The border between the two countries was closed in 2019 as tensions were soaring. But, in January this year, it was reopened showing the two parties’ commitment to renewing their ties.