Bush Hails Museveni On Terrorism

By Felix Osike US President George W. Bush has written to President Yoweri Museveni expressing his gratitude to Ugandans for the, “kind expressions of condolence and concern,” in the wake of the terrorists attacks on September 11. Bush in a September 21 letter said the savage deeds were attacks against freedom and served as a warning to all civilised people. “Freedom was attacked, but freedom will be defended. The values and determinations of our people are crucial to rooting out terrorism across the globe,” said Bush. The US Ambassador, Mr. Martin Brennan, delivered the letter. The September 11 simultaneous attacks on the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon left over 6,000 people dead. Bush said he looked forward to working with Museveni to meet this difficult challenge. “The struggle may be long but we draw the strength and resolve from your solidarity and support,” Bush said. In a reply dated October 13, Museveni assured Bush of Uganda’s support. “Our limited means not withstanding, we have somewhat tamed terrorist organisations although some work remains to be done. We have got good experience in fighting terrorism because Uganda has for long been a frontline state against terrorism. Let us consult in order to avoid mistakes through collective wisdom.” Museveni said recently, it was the arrogance of the western countries including US that created Osama bin Laden, a Saudi dissident who is believed to have masterminded the attacks. Museveni told Bush that he has for the last 31 years been fighting indiscriminate violence by both the state and non state actors including former presidents Idi Amin and Milton Obote and the old regime of Rwanda. Ends