President Paul Kagame said that peace and friendship is reigning between Rwanda and Uganda.

He was speaking on Monday, April 24, during Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s birthday celebration banquet of close friends and relatives of both sides.

ALSO READ: Kagame hosts Gen Muhoozi for his birthday celebration

Muhoozi, who is Uganda&039;s senior presidential advisor in charge of special operations, previously announced on Twitter that he would celebrate his 49th birthday in Rwanda.

He landed in Kigali on April 23 with his delegation, which included Uganda’s Minister of Security Maj Gen Jim Muhwezi, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao, Kitgum District woman MP, Lillian Aber and journalist and entrepreneur Andrew Mwenda, among others.

"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,” Kagame said.

He thanked Kainerugaba for his role and conviction in shaping peace between both countries and for being the bridge used to cross from one side to another.

Kainerugaba played an important role in putting an end to political tensions between the two countries which also led to the reopening of the Gatuna border that had been closed for three years.

ALSO READ: Gatuna border fully reopens for ordinary passengers after 3 years

Speaking at his birthday party, Kainerugaba also emphasized the friendship between them, stating that it was even cemented by the 10 cows that President Kagame had offered him which have now reproduced to becoming 17.

"We went from him being a president and me being an army officer to becoming friends and the mark of friendship was the cows he gave me and I take that very seriously,” he noted.

His trip comes just days after he hosted a thanksgiving event held in Kabale District in south western Uganda where citizens of both countries met to celebrate the resumption of vibrant activity at Gatuna border post.

ALSO READ: Rwandans, Ugandans attend ‘border reopening thanksgiving’ celebrations

Part of the activities included a friendly football game played between Kigezi Select and Gicumbi FC at Kigezi High School playground hosted in Kabale District. The game ended with a 4-2 score in favour of the Ugandan side.

Dozens of musicians from both Rwanda and Uganda, including Massamba Intore, Bebe Cool, Spice Diana, performed at the concert.

President Kagame attended Muhoozi’s 48th birthday last year in Uganda in an event that was hosted by President Yoweri Museveni.