President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has confirmed receiving an invitation to the inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), following a diplomatic visit from Her Excellency Etsegenet Bezabih Yimenu, Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Uganda.
The ambassador met President Museveni at State House Entebbe, where she delivered a message from Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
“Her Excellency Etsegenet Bezabih Yimenu, Ethiopia's ambassador, visited me at Entebbe State House,” President Museveni posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle. “She conveyed Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's invitation for the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam inauguration.”
During the meeting, the two leaders discussed environmental issues affecting the Nile Basin and broader East African region. President Museveni emphasized the importance of water preservation in mountainous areas, warning of ecological disruptions that could alter river and lake levels across the region.
He noted that countries with highland terrains like Ethiopia play a critical role in protecting upstream water resources. “We discussed the importance of water preservation in mountainous regions and the environmental challenges that could affect river and lake levels,” Museveni stated.
The President also addressed the tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea, calling for peaceful resolution through dialogue. “On the conflicts between Eritrea and Ethiopia, I encouraged dialogue and offered my support,” he said.
Uganda has long positioned itself as a stabilizing force in regional peacebuilding and water diplomacy within the Nile Basin. Museveni’s remarks reaffirm the country's commitment to promoting cooperation in the Horn of Africa.
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is Africa’s largest hydropower project and has been a major geopolitical and environmental focus across the continent.
