Kololo to Host Ethiopia’s Adwa Victory Anniversary, 65 Years of Uganda Ties

The Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Kampala will on March 24 host a major commemorative event at Kololo Independence Grounds to mark the 130th anniversary of the Battle of Adwa and 65 years of diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and Uganda.

Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Uganda, Etsegenet Bezabih Yimenu

The announcement was made in a press statement issued by Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Uganda, Etsegenet Bezabih Yimenu, who described the occasion as a celebration of shared history, African pride, and enduring friendship between the two nations.

Symbol of African Resistance

The embassy said the 1896 victory of Ethiopian forces over Italian colonial troops remains a defining moment in Africa’s struggle against imperialism and continues to inspire contemporary development efforts.

Emperor Menelik II ended Italy’s dream of establishing an empire in Africa

Particular emphasis was placed on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), described as a flagship national project symbolizing economic sovereignty, regional integration, and collective progress.

Deep Historical Bonds

Ethiopia and Uganda established formal diplomatic relations in 1961, building on earlier ties rooted in geography, culture, and historic exchanges between Emperor Haile Selassie and Kabaka Mutesa II of Buganda.

Kabaka Muteesa II hosted his friend Emperor Haile Selassie at Bulange in 1964.

The statement noted that cooperation between the two countries has since expanded across political, economic, security, and social sectors, guided by Pan-African principles.

Recent high-level engagements include the 2021 official visit by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni to Ethiopia and reciprocal visits by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, including his participation in the 19th Non-Aligned Movement Summit.

READ ALSO: Security Cooperation, Nile Basin Top Agenda as CDF Gen Muhoozi Meets Ethiopian Ambassador

Expanding Cooperation

The two nations have held four sessions of a Joint Ministerial Commission, producing agreements in trade, infrastructure, defense, and social development. People-to-people ties — including cross-border communities and diaspora contributions — were also highlighted as pillars of the relationship.

READ ALSO: Uganda Moves To Deepen Aviation & Security Collaboration With Ethiopia

Message of Friendship

Ambassador Etsegenet Bezabih Yimenu conveyed Ethiopia’s appreciation to the Government and people of Uganda for their continued solidarity, reaffirming Addis Ababa’s commitment to deepening cooperation and investment links.

CDF General Muhoozi Kainerugaba (L) receives a gift from ENDF Field Marshal Birhanu Jula during the latter’s visit to Uganda in 2024

The Kololo event is expected to attract diplomats, government officials, members of the Ethiopian community, and the wider public in a celebration of a partnership framed as one rooted in history, resilience, and shared aspirations for Africa’s future.