Moi was a true friend of Uganda

Feb 04, 2020

As Kenyans mourn the passing there former president Daniel arap Moi, Ugandans too have fond memories of the former leader.

As Kenyans mourn the passing of there former president Daniel arap Moi, Ugandans too have fond memories of the former leader who took over from independence hero, Jomo Kenyatta in 1978.

Moi became Kenya's president on August 22, 1978 and barely a month later, conflict developed in Uganda that culminated in the overthrow of than-President Idi Amin Dada, nearly eight months later.

Barely six years in power, Moi was faced with another conflict, which he was this time forced to get involved in. A war had been raging on since 1981 in Luwero triangle, just outside the capital Kampala.

The government soldiers overthrew there president and sought to negotiate with the rebels led by Yoweri Museveni.


Moi personally presided over the negotiations in 1985 until an agreement was signed on December 18, 1985.

Cheers broke out as the Ugandan head of state, Gen. Tito Okello; the rebel leader, Yoweri Museveni, and President Daniel arap Moi signed the agreement at a ceremony attended by hundreds of Ugandan and Kenyan officials and foreign diplomats.

Although the agreement never achieved its purpose and the rebels overrun Kampala a month later, it introduced Moi into the lives of Ugandans.

He was always a visitor for the rest of his reign, presiding over various functions including independence anniversaries and reaching remote areas of Uganda deep as Arua.

His biggest contribution to Ugandan politics was not interfering too much with those struggling against the various Ugandan regimes. At one time, the late G.G. Kariuki, former powerful Security Minister, said they followed whatever every Ugandan was doing in Kenya, even those just in transit to Libya, Sweden, and other places. But they just watched and let them be.

Museveni Guest - Former Kenyan President Daniel arap Moi at Statehouse Nakasero in November 2010

 

 President Moi talks to the Kabaka before addressing the Buganda Lukiiko at Bulange, Mengo. 

 
 

President Museveni welcomes Kenya's Arap Moi, in Dec 2003. 

  

 Idi Amin Dada with Daniel Toroitich arap Moi

 

President Museveni receives former Kenyan President Daniel Arap Moi at state house Nakasero in November 2010. 

 

Kenya Vice President Arap Moi greets President Amin at Mulago Hospital in October 1972. 

 

 Swearing-in - Moi and Somalia President sharing a moment in 2011. 

 

 Presidents Yoweri Museveni with Arap Moi at Malaba in December 1987

 

Swearing-in - Saharawian Leare greeting retired Kenya President Moi in 2011

 

 Presidents Yoweri Museveni with Arap Moi at Malaba in December 1987.

 

Uganda-Kenya - Karamoja leaders from Kaabong Moroto and Kotido districts pause for a photo with ex-Kenyan president Daniel Arap Moi (c) at Lokiriama. 

 

 The Kenya Vice President Daniel Arap Moi and his party visiting the OAU conference hall 

 

Kenyan ex-president Daniel Arap Moi delivering his speech at the commemoration of 39 years of peace between Karimojong and Turkana in Lokiriama Loima.

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