Following Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, announcing his imminent visit to Ethiopia, the Ethiopian Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Etsegenet Bezabih, has warmly welcomed the news. In a response on social media, Ambassador Bezabih expressed Ethiopia’s readiness to host the CDF and reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations.
“Dear General Muhoozi, #Ethiopia is fully prepared to welcome you with great honour. I assure you of Ethiopia’s unwavering commitment to strengthening our relationship further,” Ambassador Bezabih tweeted, echoing the strong diplomatic and military relationship between Uganda and Ethiopia.
The exchange between Gen. Kainerugaba and the Ethiopian Ambassador follows the CDF’s recent visit to Egypt and his announcement of plans to meet Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali soon. Gen. Kainerugaba had expressed a personal connection to the Ethiopian leader, referring to him as a “beloved brother” and highlighting their mutual interests.
His comments come a couple of months after Ethiopia’s military chief Field Marshal Berhanu Jula visited Uganda and held talks with him.
Deepening Regional Ties
This diplomatic engagement comes at a time when Uganda and Ethiopia are working closely on regional security matters, with both countries playing pivotal roles in maintaining stability in the Horn of Africa. Ambassador Bezabih’s message signals Ethiopia’s strong interest in furthering the cooperation between the two nations, particularly in areas of security, economic collaboration, and infrastructure development.
Anticipated High-Level Discussions
Gen. Kainerugaba’s upcoming visit to Addis Ababa, following his meeting with Abiy Ahmed in August 2022, is expected to focus on a range of key issues. These include strengthening military cooperation, counter-terrorism efforts, and regional peace initiatives, as both Uganda and Ethiopia face significant security challenges within and around their borders.
The warm welcome from Ethiopia’s top diplomat in Uganda suggests that this visit will be an opportunity to solidify the growing ties between the two nations. With Uganda continuing to play an influential role in peacekeeping and regional diplomacy, and Ethiopia navigating complex internal dynamics, this meeting could have substantial implications for regional security and development.
