The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba praised the “strong and enduring bond” between Uganda and Ethiopia during a high-level meeting with the Ethiopian Ambassador to Uganda at the Special Forces Command Headquarters on Monday.
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.
The CDF who is also the Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations 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.
The CDF 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.