Ethiopia and Uganda recently solidified their military and defense cooperation through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking a significant step amidst evolving diplomatic dynamics in East Africa.
During an official visit to Addis Ababa, a delegation from Uganda, led by Defense Minister Vincent Bamulangaki Ssempijja and Chief of Defense Forces General Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, formalized the MoU with their Ethiopian counterparts.
This agreement is aimed at fostering greater exchange of information, enhancing military capabilities, and collaborating on regional security challenges. Both nations have underscored their commitment to effectively implement the terms of the MoU.
In a parallel development, Uganda’s Defense Minister Vincent Bamulangaki Ssempijja undertook a working visit to Mogadishu on February 20. During this visit, he finalized a supplementary defense agreement with Somali Defense Minister Abdikadir Mohamed Nur, aimed at reinforcing defense cooperation, building upon their initial MoU signed in 2022.
These consecutive defense agreements between Uganda, Somalia, and Ethiopia within a short span of time occur against the backdrop of escalating tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia. The tension stems from Ethiopia’s signing of an MOU with the autonomous Somaliland region, which Somalia vehemently opposed, alleging territorial annexation motives by Ethiopia. President Hassan Sheikh has been vocal about this concern in various African Union meetings and other forums.
