Reflecting on the 1976 incident, President Museveni noted that although the hijacking was a tragic event, the rescue operation became a turning point in weakening the grip of former dictator Idi Amin, whose prestige and fear among the population were significantly shaken by the events that followed.
Michael Phillip Lulume Bayigga, the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) party Deputy President for Buganda region revealed that the declaration of Karua as Persona Non Grata doesn’t represent Uganda as a leading actor in the East African Community, which guarantees the East Africans the freedom of movement.
Reflecting on the 1976 incident, President Museveni noted that although the hijacking was a tragic event, the rescue operation became a turning point in weakening the grip of former dictator Idi Amin, whose prestige and fear among the population were significantly shaken by the events that followed.
Turning to security, Museveni argued that Africa's future strength will depend on political unity, saying individual countries may not have the capacity to compete globally in areas such as space and maritime security.
“This is a place of sacrifice. The NRM is a party of sacrifice,” President Museveni said, warning against leaders who use public office for personal gain.
“We are to demand performance from both the NRM and the opposition. As long as you are getting money from the government, you must check what is happening on the ground,” Museveni said.
The President also applauded the riders for operating under organized leadership and encouraged them to continue mobilizing communities to embrace government poverty alleviation programs.
“The population of 45 million citizens if not properly planned for, the peace that you have worked so hard to achieve will be lost. There is no person that can be governed if they are hungry,” Kavuma said.
The President directed veteran leaders to account for UGX 231 billion disbursed over the years under a 2009 arrangement that provided financial support to liberation war leaders, their spouses, and support cadres.