Ethiopia and Uganda moved to solidify their strategic bilateral partnership during a high-level meeting at the Special Forces Command (SFC) headquarters in Entebbe. Ethiopian Ambassador to Uganda, Etsegenet Bezabih Yimenu, briefed Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, on the prevailing security dynamics in northern Ethiopia, even as Kampala reiterated its military backing for Addis Ababa.

Security Briefing Amid Renewed Northern Ethiopia Concerns

The engagement comes at a critical juncture marked by renewed security concerns in Tigray and neighboring regions. Ambassador Yimenu provided a comprehensive update on the Ethiopian government’s efforts to stabilize the north, emphasizing the administration’s pivot toward national reconstruction.

“The government and people are focused on nation-building for a peaceful, prosperous, and dynamic Ethiopia and Africa at large. The Pretoria peace agreement must be respected.”

— Ambassador Etsegenet Bezabih Yimenu

UPDF Reiterates Support for ENDF and Sovereignty

Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who commands the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), recently voiced explicit support for the Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF). During the meeting, he called for an immediate cessation of hostilities across the conflict zones, aligning Kampala’s stance with Addis Ababa’s push for territorial integrity.

Ambassador Yimenu expressed deep appreciation for Uganda’s consistent stance. In a formal message following the engagement, she stated:

“Thank you for expressing your support for ENDF and for Ethiopia’s unity and sovereignty.”

Anchoring Stability: The Pretoria Peace Agreement

Central to the discussions was the Pretoria Peace Agreement, signed in November 2022 between the Federal Government of Ethiopia and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). The accord, facilitated by the African Union, brought a formal end to the devastating two-year conflict in Tigray.

Ambassador Yimenu underscored that Addis Ababa remains fully committed to the implementation of the agreement, viewing it as the sole legal and political framework for lasting peace in the region.

Deepening Military Exchanges and Training

Beyond immediate security politics, the meeting highlighted the robust military-to-military cooperation between the two Horn and East African nations. Ambassador Yimenu highlighted ongoing training programmes and military exchanges between the UPDF and the ENDF.

This cooperation is rooted in a shared history of regional peacekeeping, notably under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and its predecessor AMISOM, where both nations have been the largest troop contributors.

New Frontier: Urban Development and Infrastructure Benchmarking

In a significant diversification of bilateral ties, the discussions expanded beyond defense into urban development and infrastructure. Ambassador Yimenu proposed a technical exchange program involving the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA).

KCCA Technical Teams to Visit Addis Ababa

The proposal invites KCCA technical teams to visit Addis Ababa to study and benchmark the Ethiopian capital’s recent infrastructure transformations. Addis Ababa has undergone massive urban renewal in recent years, including:

• The Addis Ababa Light Rail Transit (LRT) — Sub-Saharan Africa’s first modern light rail system.
• Extensive riverfront development and green corridor projects (e.g., Sheger Park, Entoto Park).
• Smart city initiatives and integrated housing development programs.

This initiative adds a vital socio-economic dimension to the Uganda-Ethiopia relationship, complementing the traditional security and defense pillars.

Regional Implications for East Africa and the Horn

The Entebbe meeting signals a deepening Ethiopia-Uganda strategic axis. As the Horn of Africa navigates complex geopolitics—including Red Sea access disputes, Somalia’s transition post-ATMIS, and the Sudan crisis—Kampala and Addis Ababa appear to be coordinating positions on regional stability.

For Uganda, a stable Ethiopia is crucial for the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) bloc’s cohesion. For Ethiopia, Uganda’s military weight and diplomatic influence within the East African Community (EAC) provide a valuable partnership.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)