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

Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has praised the “strong and enduring bond” between Uganda and Ethiopia following a high-level meeting with Ethiopia’s ambassador at the Special Forces Command (SFC) Headquarters on Monday.

Ambassador Etsegenet Bezabih Yimenu arrived at the facility accompanied by a delegation that included Robel Admassu, Head of Political Affairs; Colonel Yirga Gebremariam, Defence Attaché; and Colonel Tesfaye Guta, Deputy Defence Attaché.

Gen Kainerugaba, who also serves as Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, welcomed the ambassador and recalled their previous engagement during the 2024 visit to Uganda by Ethiopia’s military chief, Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, head of the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF).

He said the continued high-level interactions between Kampala and Addis Ababa reflect a partnership that goes beyond formal diplomacy.

According to the CDF, the relationship between the two countries is anchored not only in strategic cooperation but also in deep historical, cultural, and civilizational ties within the Nile Basin. He described these links as an “unshakeable foundation” for present-day collaboration across multiple sectors.

In her remarks, Ambassador Yimenu thanked Gen Kainerugaba for the warm reception and noted that this was their second meeting since his appointment as CDF. She also conveyed congratulations from her government to Yoweri Museveni on his recent reelection, expressing optimism that bilateral relations will expand further during the new term.

The ambassador promised Ethiopia’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Uganda and commended the CDF’s personal role in sustaining what she described as “brotherly ties” between the two nations.

Beyond regional security matters, the two leaders discussed a range of issues of mutual interest, emphasizing the broad and evolving nature of Uganda–Ethiopia relations.