The Chief of Defence Forces of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and his Ethiopian counterpart, Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, convened discussions to bolster military collaboration between their respective forces.
Accompanied by the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt Gen Sam Okiding, Gen Kainerugaba touched down in Ethiopia’s capital on Saturday afternoon.
Upon his arrival, he was received at the Ethiopian Ministry of Defence Headquarters, where he engaged in discussions with Field Marshal Jula, the Chief of General Staff of the Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF).
Following an inspection of the guard of honour presented by ENDF personnel, Gen Kainerugaba held a private one-on-one session with Field Marshal Jula. This was later expanded to include their delegations for broader discussions.
Gen Kainerugaba’s entourage comprised senior UPDF officers, including 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.
During a joint press briefing, both leaders underscored the key themes of their dialogue, which centered on longstanding ties between Uganda and Ethiopia, collaborative military training, and intelligence-sharing to combat shared security challenges.
Gen Kainerugaba extended his appreciation for the warm reception and remarked on the productivity of their engagements.
Field Marshal Jula reciprocated by thanking Gen Kainerugaba for his visit and reaffirmed his dedication to reinforcing military ties with Uganda.
This meeting builds on Field Marshal Jula’s trip to Uganda in July, where he held discussions with Gen Kainerugaba and President Yoweri Museveni.
These high-level interactions underscore the steadfast commitment of both nations to fostering bilateral relations and mutual cooperation.
Notably, Gen Kainerugaba’s earlier visit to Ethiopia in 2022 included meetings with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and senior military officials, further cementing the strong ties between the two countries.
