While officiating at celebrations to mark Uganda’s diamond jubilee (60 Years of independence) at Kololo Independence grounds themed: A Declaration of African interdependence and our shared destiny, the fountain of honor who was accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Mrs Janet Kataaha Museveni said Uganda’s advantage amidst the challenges has been its upright and well crystalized thinking on the philosophical ideological and strategic issues since the time it defeated Idi Amin in 1979.
He vowed to fight anybody fighting his value addition on coffee which has been his desire since 1986.
“I am the promoter of the coffee value addition. I am abundant here, let me see who is coming to fight me (anankwatako),” Museveni warned.
The ceremony attracted at least 4 heads of state and delegations from sister countries of east Africa and beyond. Speaker after speaker, the visiting leaders hailed H.E President Museveni for championing peace and stability not only in Uganda but also in East Africa and Africa at large.
The President of the Republic of Kenya Dr William Kipchirchir Samoei Arap Ruto who delivered greetings from the people of Kenya and assured the people of Uganda of his commitment to integrate the region
“Your Excellency, as our elder you have a challenge to lead the charge on ensuring that we bring down the boundaries and the borders and the barriers so that we have a borderless east African community. We are looking in our lifetime that people, goods and services can move across this east Africa as we lead the way in ensuring that the Africa continental free trade area becomes a reality,” H.E Ruto said adding that this will be possible given the age, the responsibility and the experience of President Museveni.
“With age and with experience, comes responsibility. You have the experience, take the responsibility and lead the charge”
On his part, the President of the republic of South Sudan General Salva Kiir Mayardit, saluted the men and women in uniform who not only fought to bring Peace in Uganda but also the region.
“Let me also recognize and honor the men and women who made ultimate sacrifices 60 years ago to liberate Uganda from colonial rule. Without them, this day would not have come to pass and through them, Uganda is spearheading the liberation of many African countries including South Sudan,” H.E Salvar Kiir said.
The President of the republic of Burundi and the current Chairman of the East African Community, General Évariste Ndayishimiye hailed President Museveni for his contribution in stabilizing Burundi.
“Burundians will never forget the contribution you made for the return of peace, stability and democracy in Burundi as chairperson of chairperson of regional initiative. Thank you again your Excellency for your wise contribution to establish peace in the region. We Burundian people and East Africa people, we are proud of you,” President Ndayishimiye said.
The President of Federal Republic of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said since independence Somalia and Uganda have shared so much in common and both stood by each other’s side during their struggle to independence. He commended Uganda’s efforts and the entire East African region to eliminate the Al-Shabaab militants that are destabilizing parts of the region and for training Somalis in skills to defend their country.
“Today, Somalia and Uganda fight a common enemy in international terrorism. On the security front, Somalia and Uganda and all other troop contributing countries are laying a foundation for a secure progressive and prosperous Somalia and wider region by actively supporting our government’s efforts to eliminate Al-Shabaab once and for all,” H.E Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said.
The minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Rwanda Hon Vincent Biruta represented H.E Paul Kagame delivered greetings from the people of Rwanda to Uganda saying Uganda has transformed beyond recognition in all aspects.
He said the People of Rwanda and the people of Uganda are brothers and sisters, brought together by one unity, purpose and indeed destiny which will remain so forever.
“On the part of east African community, we applaud your achievements in the region and of course you can count on Rwanda to be part of that unity process,”
Zanzibar President H.E Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi who represented Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan of the Republic of Tanzania urged the people of the two countries to remain steadfast on implementing the East African Oil Crude Oil pipeline which is seen as a game changer to the development of the two countries.
H.E. Lihau Ebua Jean Pierre, the Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Public Service of the Democratic Republic of Congo, who represented H.E Felix Tshisekedi Shilombo also addressed the gathering. The Secretary General of the East African Community Mr Peter Mathuki also attended the ceremony.
The Minister for Presidency Babirye Milly Babalanda hailed President Museveni as a statesman of east Africa, a freedom fighter trusted with hope to realize east African integration. “You have invested a great deal of your time, marketing the values of east African integration,” Minister Babalanda said.
She made a passionate appeal to East African leaders to expedite East African integration, a process she described as being too slow.