Prime Minister Dr Ruhakana Rugunda has flown to Cuba where he is representing President Museveni at the burial of the former Cuban leader Fidel Castro who died on Friday aged 90.
According to a statement from his office, Dr Rugunda left for Havana, Cuba on Monday to join several world leaders and hundreds of thousands of Cubans for a mass rally in memory of Castro at Havana's Revolutionary Square today 29th November.
The premier described Fidel Castro as a giant who many highly admired for his support to liberation struggles in Africa. Ndugu Rugunda says he travelled to Havana to represent President Yoweri Museveni and to convey his and Uganda's message of solidarity with the Cuban people during this period of national mourning.
"Fidel Castro was a giant whom we highly admired for his support to liberation struggles in Africa. I am travelling to Havana to represent President Yoweri Museveni and to convey his and Uganda's message of solidarity with the Cuban people during this period of national mourning," Prime Minister Rugunda said.
He added that as President Museveni has said, Uganda, Africa and the world have lost a very honourable, loyal and reliable friend/comrade in Fidel Castro.
In a condolence message issued following Castro' death, President Museveni said that as a leader of the July 26th Movement, Castro redefined Africa’s path to self rule and eventual independence in the 1960s and 70s by supporting African liberation movements.
"He fervently fought imperialism and provided direction and counsel to majority of liberation movements on the African continent. Fidel Castro was a friend, brother and leader. My sincere condolences to the people of the Republic of Cuba, "Mr Museveni said.
Cuba has announced nine days of national mourning for its leader who defined its history for more than 50 years.
