Museveni Invited to Ethiopia’s Mega Dam Inauguration, Urges Dialogue with Eritrea

Uganda’s President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has confirmed receipt of an official invitation from Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to attend the much-anticipated inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

The invitation was delivered by Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Etsegenet Bezabih Yimenu, during a high-level diplomatic engagement held at State House Entebbe on Wednesday.

Ambassador Etsegenet, who conveyed Prime Minister Abiy’s personal regards, extended the invitation on behalf of the Ethiopian government and people, underlining the symbolic and strategic importance of the GERD not only for Ethiopia but also for the broader Horn of Africa region.

The dam, Africa’s largest hydroelectric power project, stands as a testament to regional ambition, sovereignty, and resilience.

President Museveni warmly welcomed the gesture and pledged Uganda’s longstanding support for Ethiopia’s development agenda.

The dam is a flagship national project for Ethiopia, built entirely through domestic funding—largely from public contributions, bond sales, and government support over the last 14 years. It is expected to generate over 6,000 megawatts of electricity, doubling Ethiopia’s power capacity and positioning the country as a regional energy hub.

Beyond the invitation, the meeting delved into wider regional concerns, particularly environmental sustainability and security.

President Museveni and Ambassador Etsegenet held in-depth discussions on the critical issue of water preservation in mountainous and highland regions—acknowledging the increasing pressure from climate change on transboundary water bodies such as rivers and lakes.

The leaders also touched on ongoing tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea, following recent tensions that have reignited long-standing concerns about border stability and regional friction.

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is Africa’s largest hydroelectric power project, constructed on the Blue Nile River

President Museveni expressed hope that both sides would embrace dialogue over confrontation and avoid actions that could derail regional integration efforts.

The Ugandan leader has in the past played a behind-the-scenes role in mediating regional conflicts and has consistently advocated for African-led solutions to African problems.

His call comes amid growing international interest in the evolving dynamics of the Horn of Africa, a region increasingly seen as a geopolitical and economic hotspot.

Ambassador Etsegenet praised Uganda’s leadership in promoting peace and environmental stewardship and pledged Ethiopia’s commitment to working closely with Kampala on shared goals, including climate resilience, energy security, and continental integration through the African Union and regional blocs like IGAD.

The visit marks another step in the strengthening of Uganda-Ethiopia relations, with both nations emphasizing the need for solidarity in the face of global economic and environmental pressures.

President Museveni’s attendance at the GERD inauguration, when confirmed, is expected to send a strong message of regional unity and African cooperation in harnessing natural resources for development.