The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has praised the strong and enduring bond between Uganda and Ethiopia.
He made the remarks during a high-level meeting with the Ethiopian Ambassador to Uganda at the Special Forces Command Headquarters in Mbuya.
Ambassador Etsegenet Bezabih Yimenu arrived at the headquarters accompanied by a delegation including Mr. Robel Admassu, Head of Political Affairs; Colonel Yirga Gebremariam, the Defence Attaché; and Colonel Tesfaye Guta, the Deputy Defence Attaché.
Muhoozi welcomed the Ambassador, recalling their last interaction when his Ethiopian counterpart, Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, the Chief of the General Staff of the Ethiopian National Defense Force visited Uganda in 2024.
Gen Kainerugaba noted that such discussions are a testament to the strong and enduring bond that exists between Uganda and Ethiopia.
He emphasized that the partnership between Kampala and Addis Ababa transcends modern political agreements, describing it as deeply rooted in shared cultural heritage and the common values of the Nile Basin.
He asserted that these historical ties form an “unshakeable foundation” for contemporary cooperation.
In her response, Ambassador Yimenu thanked the CDF for the warm reception and the opportunity to engage with him for the second time in his tenure as CDF.
She also extended her congratulations to President Yoweri Museveni upon his recent reelection, expressing her government’s hope that during these five years, the relationship with Kampala will further grow and flourish.
The Ambassador reaffirmed Ethiopia’s steadfast commitment to the continued efforts aimed at fostering the growth of bilateral relations between Uganda and Ethiopia. She further expressed her gratitude to the CDF for his personal role in ensuring the warm and brotherly ties between the two nations.
Beyond regional security issues, the two principals also discussed other areas of mutual interest, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the partnership between the two countries.
Ethiopia and Uganda maintain strong, strategic bilateral relations, characterized by high-level diplomatic engagement, military cooperation (particularly in Somalia/AMISOM/ATMIS), and shared regional peace initiatives in the Horn of Africa
Uganda and Ethiopia ties are marked by eight new agreements covering aviation, energy, agriculture, and trade.
The Uganda People’s Defense Force (UPDF) and Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) have a history of collaboration dating back to the 1990s, including joint efforts to manage regional security, combat extremism in Somalia, and engage in military training exchanges.
In April 2025, the 4th Session of the Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) in Addis Ababa, led by ministers Jeje Odongo (Uganda) and Gedion Timothewos (Ethiopia), solidified agreements on water management, trade, and defense.Uganda’s exports to Ethiopia have increased, featuring products like refined petroleum ($17.3M) and milk ($1.96M), with a 7.44% growth rate in exports, reaching $21.9M by 2024.
