General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces, has lauded the robust military cooperation between the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Ethiopian National Defence Forces (ENDF). He attributed this strong bond to the longstanding relations between Uganda and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, which have historical roots stretching back centuries.
General Kainerugaba emphasized that the military cooperation is underpinned by high-level visits and bilateral discussions between the military leaders of both nations. “The regions now known as Uganda and Ethiopia have been connected for over 2,000 years, with trade dating back to 100 AD with the Aksum Empire,” General Kainerugaba noted. “Our relationship is one of blood and shared history,” he added.
These remarks were made during a bilateral meeting with Field Marshal Birhanu Jula Gelelicha, Chief of General Staff of the ENDF, at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA) Headquarters in Mbuya. General Kainerugaba, who also serves as the Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, highlighted the history of cooperation and mutual support between the UPDF and ENDF, shaped by their national interests and regional security needs.
Historical Cooperation
General Kainerugaba recalled the joint operations with Ethiopian forces in 1995 and 1996 against the Sudan Armed Forces and the Lord’s Resistance Army. “We fondly remember our joint operations with Ethiopian forces,” he stated, underscoring the historical collaboration in ensuring regional security.
Peacekeeping and Training Exchanges
Both Uganda and Ethiopia have been active contributors to African Union and United Nations Peacekeeping Missions, particularly in Somalia, through AMISOM and ATMIS. General Kainerugaba praised the military training exchange programs and extended an invitation to ENDF officers to participate in UPDF courses in Uganda.
Field Marshal Birhanu Jula Gelelicha expressed his enthusiasm for deepening the cooperation between the two nations. “Together, we can build on our shared history and deepen our mutual understanding, working towards a brighter and more secure future for our nations and the region,” he said.
Meeting Attendees
The meeting was attended by senior officers from both UPDF and ENDF, including Lt Gen Charles Okidi, Commander UPDF Air Force; Maj Gen Jack Bakasumba, Chief of Joint Staff; and Maj Gen James Birungi, Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security. Field Marshal Birhanu was accompanied by H.E Etegenet Bezabih Yimenu, the Ambassador of Ethiopia to Uganda, along with other generals and senior officers of the ENDF.
Summary Table of Key Information:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) | General Muhoozi Kainerugaba |
| ENDF Chief of General Staff | Field Marshal Birhanu Jula Gelelicha |
| Historical Ties | Over 2,000 years, including trade with the Aksum Empire |
| Joint Operations | 1995 and 1996 operations against Sudan Armed Forces and Lord’s Resistance Army |
| Peacekeeping Contributions | Active in African Union and United Nations missions, especially in Somalia (AMISOM and ATMIS) |
| Training Exchange | Invitation extended to ENDF officers for UPDF courses in Uganda |
| Notable Attendees | Lt Gen Charles Okidi, Maj Gen Jack Bakasumba, Maj Gen James Birungi, and H.E Etegenet Bezabih Yimenu |
