He led many battles for the independence of Ethiopia, including Dogali and Adwa. In service of the Emperor Yohannes IV, Ras Alula defeated the Egyptians in Gundet 1875, Gura 1876, Aylet 1887, Senhit 1880, against the mahdists of Sudan, Kufit 1885, Metema 1889 against Italians, Sahatit 1887, Dogali 1887, Amba-Alaje 1889, Mekelle 1896 and Adwa 1896. When Yohannes returned from his unsuccessful campaign in Saati, he invaded and ravaged Gojjam for King Tekle Haymanot Tessema's rebellious intentions.