Uganda’s exports to Ethiopia have reached approximately US$21.9 million, largely driven by petroleum products, alongside dairy, processed foods and manufactured goods. This reflects Uganda’s growing role as a reliable regional supplier within our interconnected economies.
On the other hand, Uganda’s imports from Ethiopia stand at about US$1 million, comprising mainly agricultural products, textiles, and light manufactured goods.
By PPU
KAMPALA: Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo has called on Ethiopian investors to explore opportunities in Uganda, particularly focusing on Agro-processing, value addition industrial development and cross-border trade facilitation.
“As we look to the future, there is immense potential to deepen our co- operation. We must continue to strengthen trade and investment, enhance connectivity and promote people to people exchanges. Our young populations, rich cultures, and strategic locations position us well to harness new opportunities for mutual growth,” she said.
Alupo stressed that as members of the broader East African and African economic community, we are well positioned to leverage frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area to expand market access, reduce trade barriers, and stimulate investment.
She however said that while bilateral trade between the two countries is still modest, continues to show encouraging growth and strong potential for expansion.
Uganda’s exports to Ethiopia have reached approximately US$21.9 million, largely driven by petroleum products, alongside dairy, processed foods and manufactured goods. This reflects Uganda’s growing role as a reliable regional supplier within our interconnected economies.
On the other hand, Uganda’s imports from Ethiopia stand at about US$1 million, comprising mainly agricultural products, textiles, and light manufactured goods.
Alupo said the above trade flows highlight the complementary nature of our economies – where each country brings unique strengths to the partnership.
She made the remarks during celebrations to mark the 130th victory of Adwa and 65th years of diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and Uganda.
The colourful event, which attracted diplomats, ministers and members of parliament among other dignitaries, was hosted at Kololo Independence Grounds on March 22, 2026.
On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Uganda and her own behalf, Alupo extended greetings and heartfelt congratulations to the Ethiopian people as they celebrated their 130th anniversary of the Victory of Adwa and the 65 years of Diplomatic relations between our two sister countries
“I salute the Victory of Adwa as it remains one of the most defining moments in Africa and global history. It stands as a powerful symbol of resilience, unity, and the unwavering determination of a people to defend their sovereignty and dignity,” she said.
She said at a time when much of Africa was under colonial domination, the triumph at Adwa sent a clear and resounding message – that freedom, self-determination, and national pride are inalienable rights of all nations.
The vice president said relations between Uganda and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia date back to pre-independence and called upon us reflect on this important milestone – the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and Uganda.
She said over the decades, our two nations have nurtured a relationship grounded in mutual respect, solidarity, and shared aspirations for peace, stability, and prosperity.
“Our partnership has evolved through the years, expanding across political, economic and cultural spheres. We have stood together in regional and continental forums, championing the principles of Pan-Africanism, co-operation and collective progress,” she said.
She highlighted that Uganda’s collaboration within regional mechanisms has contributed to advancing peace and integration across East Africa and beyond.
“Over the past decades, a number of countries in the great lakes region and the Horn of Africa have experienced a series of conflicts. Uganda has played a central role in finding a solution to most of these conflicts. I am happy to state that Ethiopia has been a major ally in our efforts to stabilize the region,” she said.
She said the bond between our countries has been further strengthened by the shared values of resilience and determination just as Ethiopia demonstrated at Adwa, Uganda too has shown steadfast commitment in shaping its own path of development and stability.
“Together, we embody the spirit of an Africa that is confident, united and forward-looking,” Alupo said.
The vice president informed the auspicious gathering that Uganda has embarked on economic transformation with an objective of achieving middle income status in the near future. “Our main focus is on elements that can bring about tangible economic growth such as physical infrastructures, utilization of our Natural resources, investment in human capital innovations and others,” she said.
Alupo further said Ethiopia is one of the countries we are co-operating with closely to achieve our economic transformation.
Etsegenet Bezabih Yimenu, Ambassador of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, paid tribute to the sacrifices of the patriots who fought at Adwa and urged present-day Ethiopians to sustain the nation through unity, collective effort and a commitment to overcoming poverty, division and backwardness.
She hailed the triumph at Adwa as an enduring source of inspiration for Ethiopia’s defence forces and a symbol of African unity and resilience.
Bezabih Yimenu also applauded the continued friendship between the Republic of Uganda and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.
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