Uganda honours Kagame, Nguema

Jan 27, 2012

Uganda has awarded visiting Presidents of Rwanda Paul Kagame and Theodore Obiang Nguema Obasago of Equatorial Guinea with liberation medals.

By Vision Reporter

President Yoweri Museveni has awarded the visiting Presidents of Rwanda Paul Kagame and Theodore Obiang Nguema Obasago of Equatorial Guinea with the most excellent 0rder of the Pearl of Africa, the Grand Master in recognition of their selfless contribution to peace and stability not only in their own countries but also in their respective regions.

The ceremony took place on Thursday during the ceremonies marking 26thNRA/NRM anniversary held at Sebei College Tegres in Kapchorwa district. The ceremonies of the awards were also witnessed by the spouses of the visiting leaders.

President Kagame, who joined FRONASA movement to fight against the dictatorial regime of Idi Amin in the 70s, further received the Kagera and Luwero Medals.

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 The former gender minister and current RDC of Kapchorwa Jane Frances Kuka received a civilian medal “the Distinguished Order of the Nile – Class 4 in recognition of her current fight against Female Genital Mutilation.

President Museveni, who congratulated Ugandans upon reaching the 26th anniversary of the NRM victory, said contrary to false information peddled by some media houses  that NRM has  not  caused any fundamental  development changes in Uganda, told the nation that a lot of achievements have been registered in all spheres of life.

He cited the freedom of speech that he described as unbeatable in the world.  The President pointed out that this freedom that would be better used constructively had been abused by peddlers of lies.

Museveni also mentioned the size of the economy as another area where the NRM has registered fundamental changes making it one of the fastest growing economies in the world.
 

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He disclosed that in 1986, the annual GDP of Uganda was only sh3.4 trillion compared today’s size of the economy that has grown 12 times to sh 39 trillion.

The President said the economy would have done better had it been for the slow pace that is engineered by political indiscipline that frustrated the development of Bujagali hydro power station and the sugar projects.

He, however, assured the nation that with the discovery of petroleum resource, the sky is the limit in terms of development.
He explained that the oil that the NRM government discovered will enable the country fund the development of the infrastructure.

President Museveni also cited human resource development as one of the fundamental changes brought about by the NRM; innovations by scientists, like the Kiira Electric vehicle and value addition to food stuffs.

He added that security of person and property are also guaranteed adding that a person who can’t see these glaring developmental changes must be that sick.

The President noted that the only challenge today is that of corruption over which he assured the people of Uganda that it will be solved the way the NRM tackled other problems.

President Museveni thanked the people of Sebei for supporting NRM and assured them that their road to Bukwo will be worked on. He said a barracks will soon be built in Bukwo to check the neighbouring Kenya Pokot community disturbances that often cross the border to raid animals from them.

He strongly encouraged the people of Sebei sub-region to embrace commercial agriculture that, he said, will liberate them from poverty in their families.

Earlier, the visiting President of Equatorial Guinea, Theodore Obiang Nguema thanked President Museveni for the prestigious award and the warm hospitality accorded to him and his delegation.

He noted that the award shows the great love President Museveni has for the people of Equatorial Guinea and himself. He, however, noted that as the current Chairman of the African Union, the continent must be recognized as an independent body that is capable of solving her problems without the interference of western powers.

President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, on his part, expressed gratitude and appreciation for having been honored with the distinguished medal for the humble contribution to the freedom of Uganda.

He dedicated the medals to the people of Rwanda and Uganda who, he said, committed their lives to fight for the freedom that they are all enjoying today.

He added that the strong ties that exist between the people of Rwanda and those of Uganda, are manifested by the way President Museveni stood by the people of Rwanda during their struggle.

President Kagame noted that today, the major challenge is the transformation of the societies of the two countries. He said the only way forward is to struggle together like the peoples of the 2 countries fought for freedom together. He said the medals should also spur the current generation to work hard for prosperity.

The colourful NRM anniversary celebrations were also attended, among others, by Vice President, Edward Kiwanuka Sekandi, the Prime Minister, Amama Mbabazi, the Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga, the Chief Justice, Justice Benjamin Odoki, cultural leaders, Members of Parliament and the diplomatic corps.

 

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