Uganda, Ethiopia Seal 8 Landmark Deals at Joint Ministerial Commission

By Alex Masereka Joel

Uganda and Ethiopia have signed a record eight Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in a significant step to deepen bilateral cooperation, as the 4th Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) concluded in Addis Ababa on Friday.

The landmark agreements span diverse sectors including; aviation, energy, agriculture, water resources, and trade.

Uganda’s delegation at the JMC, was led by Hon. Gen. Odongo Jeje Abubakhar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, accompanied by senior ministers including; Hon. Francis Mwebesa (Trade), Hon. Fred Byamukama (Transport), Hon. Bwino Kyakulaga (Agriculture), and Hon. Gen. David Muhoozi (Internal Affairs).

A group photo of Uganda and Ethiopia’s delegations during the Joint Ministerial Commission in Addis Ababa

Their Ethiopian counterparts were led by; H.E. Dr. Gedion Timothewos, Minister of Foreign Affairs, joined by H.E. Dr. Kassahun Gofe (Trade and Regional Integration), and other high-ranking officials.

Held from April 3–4, the high-level summit marked a revival of bilateral dialogue after a six-year hiatus since the previous JMC session. Both countries hailed the resilience of their historic relations, founded on Pan-Africanism and mutual trust, and reaffirmed their shared vision for regional integration and prosperity.

INKED: Uganda’s Foreign Affairs Minister Hon Gen Jeje Odongo (L) and his Ethiopian counterpart H.E. Dr. Gedion Tiomthewos Hessebon put pen to paper to wrap up the agreements

The MoUs signed include:

1. Bilateral Air Services Agreement

2. MoU on Industrial Cooperation

3. MoU on Cooperation in the Energy Sector

4. MoU on Water Resource Management

5. MoU on Technical Cooperation in Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries

6. MoU on Cooperation in Aviation Training

7. MoU on Cooperation and Assistance in Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation

8. MoU on Trade Cooperation

“These agreements are a blueprint to elevate our relations to new heights,” said Hon. Odongo. “They reflect our joint resolve to build sustainable development anchored in peace, mutual growth, and African solidarity.”

Dr. Timothewos described the JMC as an opportunity to take stock of the bilateral relationship and chart a course for deeper cooperation between the two nations. He underscored the importance of regional collaboration in addressing the mounting challenges facing both countries and emphasized Ethiopia and Uganda’s shared commitment to equitable and reasonable utilization of the Nile Waters.

In the aviation agreements, Uganda will be looking to leverage on Ethiopia’s experience in the field as the horn of Africa nation is an aviation powerhouse and home to the continents largest airline, Ethiopian Airlines.

Uganda’s Minister of State (Transport), Hon. Fred Byamukama (L) signed a Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) and two MOUs for Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigations, and another between the East African Civil Aviation Academy and Ethiopian Airlines Group in relation to training. Ethiopian Airlines CEO Mr. Mesfin Tasew Bekele (R) signed on behalf  of the airline

READ ALSO: Uganda Moves to Deepen Aviation & Security Collaboration with Ethiopia

Both two sides agreed to expedite implementation of past and present decisions, and establish a joint monitoring mechanism in the energy sector. They also committed to coordinated action in regional platforms such as IGAD, the East African Power Pool (EAPP), and the African Union (AU).

In a symbolic gesture, the Ugandan delegation visited Ethiopia’s Adwa Victory Memorial Museum, honoring African resistance to colonialism and reinforcing the Pan-African spirit shared between the two nations.

The 5th JMC session will be hosted by Uganda in 2027.