Summary:

• Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, visited Ethiopia for talks with Field Marshal Birhanu Jula to strengthen military cooperation. The discussions focused on joint training, intelligence sharing, and addressing regional security challenges.

Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, held fruitful discussions with Ethiopia’s military leadership, led by Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, in Addis Ababa, aiming to boost defense collaboration between the two nations.

Gen. Kainerugaba, accompanied by senior officials from the Ugandan People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), including Deputy CDF Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding, arrived at the Ethiopian Ministry of Defense Headquarters on Saturday afternoon. The visit underscores the ongoing strong relations between Uganda and Ethiopia.

Upon arrival, the Ugandan delegation was honored with a guard of honor by the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF). Gen. Kainerugaba then proceeded for a private one-on-one discussion with Field Marshal Jula before both delegations gathered for broader talks.

Notable figures in the Ugandan delegation included Lt. Gen. Sam Kavuma, Commander of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), and Brig. Gen. Anthony Lukwago Mbuusi, Sector One Contingent Commander under ATMIS.

Following their meeting, both military leaders addressed the media, emphasizing their commitment to strengthening bilateral military cooperation. Key areas of focus included joint military training, intelligence sharing, and enhancing efforts to combat regional security challenges.

Gen. Kainerugaba expressed gratitude for Ethiopia’s hospitality and highlighted the importance of the discussions, noting, “Our nations share a rich history of collaboration, and this meeting reaffirms our commitment to peace and security in the region.”

Field Marshal Jula reciprocated the sentiment, praising Uganda’s role in regional stability and reiterating Ethiopia’s commitment to strengthening the military partnership. “The cooperation between our forces is vital for addressing common challenges and ensuring peace in the region,” he stated.

This visit follows a similar trip by Field Marshal Jula to Uganda in July, where he met with Gen. Kainerugaba and President Yoweri Museveni. The continued exchange of high-level visits reflects the growing diplomatic and military ties between the two countries.

Gen. Kainerugaba’s previous visits to Ethiopia, including a 2022 meeting with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, highlight the long-standing collaboration. The latest talks reinforce both nations’ determination to deepen security cooperation in the Horn of Africa and beyond.

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