Museveni to award Ethiopian PM the Pearl of Africa medal

Ethiopian Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed Ali. AFP Photo

President Yoweri Museveni will on June 9 award the new Ethiopian Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed Ali, a special medal for his towering contribution to the independence struggle of Africa.

According to Esther Mbayo, the Minister for the Presidency, Abiy will be decorated with the Most Excellent Order of the Pearl of Africa medal, which is the highest accolade in the country.

"President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni will award a special medal (The Most Excellent Order of the Pearl of Africa - The Grand Master) to his guest Abiy Ahmed Ali. This is the Highest Order that is awarded heads of state and government," Mbayo during a press briefing on Tuesday at the Uganda Media Centre.

Early this year, Abiy, 41, replaced Hailemariam Desalegn as Ethiopia's prime minister.

Mbayo said during the Heroes' Day celebrations, which will be held in Birembo sub county, Kakumiro district, 250 other heroes will be awarded medals in appreciation for their contribution to peace and dignity in the country.

"At this occasion, the country will be honoured to host the prime minister of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed Ali. The two heads of state will be joined by government officials and other dignitaries," she said.

Equatorial Guinea leader, Teodoro Obiang Mbasogo, is the other African president that Museveni has awarded the medal.