US Embassy closes to mourn Bush

KAMPALA- The US embassy in Kampala will today remain closed and the US flag will for 30 days fly at half-staff in honour of former President, George H. W. Bush, who died on November 30, at the age of 94 .

According to Phil Dimon, the US Embassy spokesperson, the Embassy has also opened a condolence book in President Bush's honor, for well-wishers to pay their respect to US' 41st President.

"The flag at U.S. Embassy Kampala is being flown at half-staff for a period of 30 days from the day of President Bush's death," Dimon said  Monday in a statement. 

The US Embassy also thanked President Yoweri Museveni for the condolence message released over the weekend.

"We have taken note of the condolence statement that President Museveni issued via his Twitter account, and we thank him for his kind words," Dimon added.  

In his condolence message over the weekend, Museveni, described Bush as an outstanding politician and saluted him for his role in ending the Cold War, an era when the US and the Soviet Union and their allies nearly went to war.

"On Uganda's and my own behalf, I join the Americans and the rest of the world to mourn the passing of His Excellency George H. W. Bush. He was a man of outstanding political credentials, guiding America and the world towards the end of the Cold War. May his soul rest in peace," Museveni stated in a tweet.

President Donald Trump declared Wednesday a national day of mourning in US to honour the passing of Bush.

Bush was US President from 1989 to 1993, and has been widely credited for steering the world away from a long-running Cold War.

A decorated war pilot and World War II veteran, Bush served in several positions, including  CIA chief from 1976 to 1977. He was succeeded by Bill Clinton who served as 42nd US President.

His son, George Walker Bush, served as the 43rd President of the United States.