Amb. Etsegenet: Dam Completion Mirrors Ethiopia’s Historic Victory Over Colonialism

The Ethiopian Community in Uganda on Sunday marked Hibir Day on Pagume 2, 2017 E.C., a national day of reflection and dialogue for Ethiopians abroad. This year’s commemoration placed special focus on the completion of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), hailed as a unifying national achievement.

Speaking at the event, Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Etsegenet Yimenu Bezabih, described the GERD’s completion as “another Adwa,” invoking the historic 1896 victory where Ethiopians defeated Italian colonial forces.

She emphasized that the dam, much like the triumph at Adwa, symbolizes Ethiopia’s unity, resilience, and determination to control its own destiny.

Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Etsegenet Yimenu Bezabih

Ethiopia’s community was joined by friends of Ethiopia and a host of diplomats based in Kampala at the Sunday event.

The commemoration featured a panel discussion under the theme “Renaissance Dam for National Unity”, where speakers highlighted the dam’s dual significance: fostering national cohesion while unlocking vast economic potential through energy generation and regional integration.

Participants also reflected on Hibir Day’s wider role as a platform for Ethiopians abroad to reaffirm their identity, strengthen community ties, and engage in national issues.

The commemoration featured a panel discussion under the theme “Renaissance Dam for National Unity”

The GERD, Africa’s largest hydroelectric dam, has long been seen in Ethiopia as a flagship project of sovereignty and development, despite regional tensions it has stirred.

For Ethiopians, however, its completion marks a generational milestone, echoing the spirit of independence and unity that defined the victory at Adwa. It is set for inauguration this month.

Pagume, coincided with Resistance Day, while festivities will continue until Mäskäräm 1 on September 11, marking the Ethiopian New Year – 2018 in the local calendar.

A cross section of guests at Sunday’s event

Pagume is the 13th month of the Ethiopian calendar. It normally spans five days, extending to six days in leap years, and falls between September 5 and 10 in the Gregorian calendar (or September 6 to 11 in leap years). The name comes from the Greek term epagomene, meaning “days added,” while in Amharic it is also called Baaqume.