The Israeli Prime minister Rt. Hon. Benjamin Netanyahu who is in Uganda on a one day visit has this afternoon attended a memorial event for his brother and others who lost their lives during the July 4th 1976 raid on Entebbe.
The raid was carried out by Israeli forces to rescue 248 passengers that had been taken hostage. Netanyahu’s brother, Col. Yoni Netanyahu died during the mission at the control tower in Entebbe.
During today’s ceremony, Rt. Hon. Netanyahu called upon Africa and the world at large to fight against terrorism. He told the congregation that one needs clarity to distinguish good from bad.
“I learned from my brother and from others that two things are needed above all to defeat terrorism, clarity and courage. Clarity to distinguish good from evil and courage to confront evil” said Israeli PM.
Netanyahu added; “Nothing justifies terrorism; nothing justifies the deliberate murder of the innocent, the systematic murder of civilians. We must condemn all acts of terrorism.”
President Yoweri Museveni on the other hand thanked God for the sad raids 40 years ago which he says turned into a bond linking Israel to Africa.
“I say this is yet another bond between Africa and Palestine because there were earlier bonding events.”
Museveni said it was of great importance that Amin’s army was illiterate and did not have clear knowledge of deployment, making it easier for Israel army to infiltrate the facility and rescue the hostages.
Called upon the Israelite business men and women to come and invest in Uganda as both countries shall benefit.
He faulted former President, field marshal Idi Amin for conniving with terrorists on Ugandan soil.
“That bonding should be turned into opportunity. Owing to the constant hostility by neighbors, Israel has developed into a large technology center. Israel companies should come and invest in Africa.
Netanyahu is expected to be joined regional heads of states such as Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, South Sudan and Ethiopia for an anti Terrorism summit.
After the summit, Netanyahu will be hosted to a state dinner by his host President Kaguta Museveni.
