The historic Old Entebbe Airport Terminal witnessed a symbolic moment on Friday as Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba unveiled a memorial monument in honour of Lt. Col. Yonatan “Yoni” Netanyahu, the Israeli military commander who was killed during the dramatic 1976 Entebbe hostage rescue mission.
The monument, erected at the very place where Netanyahu lost his life nearly five decades ago, is being presented as a symbol of the strengthening diplomatic, military, and historical ties between Uganda and Israel.
Addressing guests during the ceremony, Gen. Muhoozi said the memorial is more than a tribute to a fallen soldier. According to him, it reflects the values of courage, sacrifice, leadership, and commitment to protecting innocent lives—principles that continue to inspire armed forces across the world.
He noted that while the events of July 4, 1976, remain one of the most defining moments in Uganda’s history, the country has since taken a different path, embracing constitutional governance, peaceful coexistence, and stronger international partnerships.
The CDF emphasized that the monument should serve as a reminder that history can unite nations instead of dividing them. He said preserving such memories helps future generations appreciate the cost of peace, the importance of duty, and the value of international cooperation.
Gen. Muhoozi also paid tribute to the civilian hostages who lost their lives during the Entebbe crisis, saying their memory deserves equal recognition. He further acknowledged the Ugandan soldiers who died during the operation, noting that they fought under the orders of the Idi Amin regime, which he described as a dictatorship that did not represent the will of the Ugandan people.
He reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Israel in areas including security, technology, innovation, and development, saying the relationship between the two countries has grown beyond the painful memories of the 1976 incident into one built on mutual respect and shared interests.
Representing the Israeli delegation, Barack Orland thanked Gen. Muhoozi for championing the construction of the monument, describing it as a lasting symbol of friendship between Uganda and Israel. He said the decision to place the memorial at the historic terminal demonstrated respect for history while creating a foundation for stronger cooperation in the future.
Orland also referenced remarks by President Yoweri Museveni, saying that difficult moments in history can ultimately become the foundation for lasting partnerships between nations.
Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) Deputy Director General Olive Birungi Lumonya praised the CDF for turning the idea into reality. She described the monument as a lasting tribute to bravery, sacrifice, and international friendship, adding that it will preserve an important chapter of history for generations to come.
The unveiling ceremony attracted senior military officers, government officials, representatives from the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, the Uganda Tourism Board, members of the Israeli delegation, and other invited guests, marking another milestone in the growing relationship between Uganda and Israel.
