CDF Gen. Kainerugaba Praises Strong Military Cooperation Between UPDF, ENDF

Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), has praised the strong military cooperation between the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Ethiopian National Defence Forces (ENDF).

He attributed this cooperation to the long-standing historical ties between Uganda and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, which have been linked for centuries.

During a bilateral meeting with Field Marshal Birhanu Jula Gelelicha, Chief of General Staff of the ENDF, at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA) Headquarters in Mbuya, Gen. Kainerugaba highlighted the enduring relationship between the two nations.

“The regions now known as Uganda and Ethiopia have been linked for over 2,000 years, with trade dating back to 100 AD with the Aksum Empire,” said General Kainerugaba. “Our relationship is one of blood and shared history,” he added.

Gen. Kainerugaba, who also serves as the Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, emphasized that the cooperation has been strengthened by high-level visits and bilateral talks between military leaders from both countries.

He recalled the history of mutual support and joint operations between the UPDF and ENDF, particularly their collaboration in 1995 and 1996 against the Sudan Armed Forces and the Lord’s Resistance Army.

Both Uganda and Ethiopia have contributed troops to African Union and United Nations Peacekeeping Missions, notably in Somalia through AMISOM and ATMIS. Gen. Kainerugaba commended the military training exchange programs and extended an invitation to ENDF officers to participate in UPDF courses in Uganda.

Field Marshal Birhanu expressed his desire to further strengthen cooperation and explore new avenues of partnership.

“Together, we can build on our shared history and deepen our mutual understanding, working towards a brighter and more secure future for our nations and the region,” he said.

The meeting was attended by senior UPDF and ENDF officers, including Lt. Gen. Charles Okidi, Commander of the UPDF Air Force; Maj. Gen. Jack Bakasumba, Chief of Joint Staff; and Maj. Gen. James Birungi, Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security.

The Chief of General Staff of ENDF was accompanied by the Ambassador of Ethiopia to Uganda, H.E Etegenet Bezabih Yimenu, along with generals and senior officers of the ENDF.