After decorated as a hero in Uganda, The President of the republic of Rwanda Paul Kagame and the first lady are slated to continue a three-day State visit to Uganda.
It is slated that they will visit a pharmaceutical manufacturing site, meet with the Rwandan community in Uganda and participate in departure ceremonies at State House which will mark the end of the visit.
President Kagame and his Equatorial Guinea counterpart was yesterday bestowed with heroes’ medals as the NRM party celebrated 26 years in power.
In a colorful function held at Sebei College, Tegres in Kapchorwa District in Eastern Uganda, Kagame and Equatorial Guinea’s Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo were both given the Excellent Order of the Pearl of Africa Grand Master medals.
Kagame was also honoured the Luwero Triangle Medal and the Kagera Medal for his role in the liberation war that brought the NRM/A into power in 1986 and also for his support of the East African regional integration respectively.
President Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea also the current chairperson of the African Union, was honoured for being a role model and that1979, he has been exemplary in determining growth, stability and maintained a democratic government.
Over 90 other people were also honoured with medals including civilian and military.
The citation read by General Elly Tumwine described President Kagame as distinguished Statesman, Freedom Fighter and dedicated Son of Africa who has dedicated his life to the liberation of oppressed people everywhere.
The Citation also outlined his achievements as a liberator, military commander, political leader and statesman.
“We were availed the opportunity to participate in the liberation of Uganda, and what we gave can never be equal to what we gained from this country,” Kagame said
President Kagame pointed out that the recognition were testimony to the enduring links, forged by a shared history and common struggle, between Rwandans and Ugandans, as well as other Africans on the continent.
“Rwandans and Ugandans may live in two countries, but, in fact, their lives have always been closely intertwined. And these strong ties are demonstrated by how the people of Uganda, led by you, Mr President, stood by us when the time came for our own struggle.” He said.
President Kagame said that the successful liberation struggles were proof that more could be achieved in the current struggle for socio-economic transformation
“We have it within our means to establish peace, and democratic and good governance for much better lives of our people. If we were ever to fail, we would only have ourselves to blame, for these public goods will never come from outside.” Kagame added.
President Kagame noted President Museveni’s advocacy for regional integration, larger markets, greater intra-African trade and adding value to Africa’s natural resources and noted that solidarity was an important factor in achieving common goals.
“We share this commitment to a process that will give us a bigger and more relevant voice in global affairs. We also share the vision of our continent that should use its enormous assets to improve the living standards of our people.”
President Kagame hoped that significance of medals awarded at the ceremony would inspire young Africans to participate in lifting their communities;
“Let the medals that have been awarded, badges of courage and honour that they are, spur a new generation to work together even more for the wellbeing and dignity that our people deserve.”
The decoration of President Kagame as a hero in Uganda, recognizing his role in the liberation struggle is another sign of amended diplomatic relationship that had soared in previous years.
It follows a recent visit of Kagame’s family visiting his counterpart’s family in their upcountry home Rwakitura, Mbarara District(Western Uganda) in the past Christmas festive season.
ENDS
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