Kampala, Uganda – The Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in Uganda convened a high-level diplomatic and cultural event at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds to commemorate the 130th Anniversary of the Victory of Adwa, and mark 65 years of formal diplomatic relations between the two nations. The occasion served as both a historical reflection and a forward-looking platform for reinforcing bilateral cooperation within a rapidly evolving regional and continental policy landscape.
The commemoration highlighted the enduring relationship between Ethiopia often referred to as the “Land of Origin” and Uganda, the “Pearl of Africa,” anchored in shared commitments to sovereignty, mutual respect, and Pan-African solidarity. These foundational principles continue to inform contemporary engagement across political, economic, and socio-cultural domains. In her address, the Ethiopian Ambassador to Uganda H.E. Etsegenet Bezabih Yimenu, underscored the historical depth of bilateral relations, recalling early diplomatic engagements such as the landmark visit of Haile Selassie to Uganda. she noted that such symbolic gestures of solidarity helped shape a trajectory of structured cooperation, including the conclusion of the Air Services Agreement in the 1960s, which laid the groundwork for enhanced connectivity and economic exchange.
Over time, Ethiopia–Uganda relations have matured through sustained high-level political dialogue and institutional mechanisms. Notable engagements include the official visit of Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to Ethiopia in 2021 and continued exchanges with H.E Abiy Ahmed, alongside regular consultations within regional and multilateral frameworks. These interactions have reinforced policy alignment and strengthened cooperation on issues of mutual interest.
The partnership has been further institutionalised through Joint Ministerial Commissions, with the Fourth Session held in Addis Ababa in 2025 resulting in the signing of multiple Memoranda of Understanding across priority sectors, including energy, agriculture, trade, and aviation. Enhanced defence collaboration has also contributed to collective efforts in addressing regional peace and security challenges, particularly in the context of counterterrorism and stability in the Horn and Great Lakes regions. Both countries reiterated their commitment to advancing economic integration in line with continental frameworks such as the African Union and the African Continental Free Trade Area. Expanding cooperation in aviation particularly between Ethiopian Airlines and Uganda Airlines was highlighted as a strategic enabler of trade, tourism, and investment flows.
The shared importance of the Nile Basin, encompassing the Blue Nile and White Nile systems, was also emphasised as a critical area of cooperation, guided by principles of equitable utilization and sustainable resource management. In her remarks, Jessica Alupo paid tribute to the Victory of Adwa as a defining symbol of African resilience and reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties across all sectors. The event further underscored the importance of people-to-people connections, cultural diplomacy, and sustained dialogue in fostering mutual understanding. As both nations commemorate these milestones, they reaffirm a shared vision of deepened cooperation, regional stability, and sustainable development across the African continent.
