Uganda’s chief of defense forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, unveiled a monument dedicated to Lieutenant Colonel Yonatan “Yoni” Netanyahu at Entebbe Airport’s old terminal. Netanyahu commanded the Israeli force sent to rescue hostages held at the airport on July 4, 1976, and was killed during the operation. According to The Kampala Post, Kainerugaba described the statue as a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and the close relationship that has developed between Uganda and Israel.
Statue Unveiled at Entebbe Airport’s Old Terminal Honoring 1976 Rescue Mission
The unveiling ceremony brought together senior Ugandan military, aviation, and tourism officials, including Air Force commander Lt. Gen. Charles Okidi. Gen. Kainerugaba, who serves as the chief of defense forces and is the president’s son, noted that the memorial honors both Netanyahu’s leadership and the wider values represented by the rescue mission. “It is a great honor and privilege to join you at this historic site as we unveil this monument to Lieutenant Colonel Yonatan ‘Yoni’ Netanyahu,” Kainerugaba said, as reported by The Kampala Post.
Netanyahu was the older brother of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. During the ceremony, Kainerugaba described the fallen commander’s actions as an enduring example of courage, duty, and selfless service. He emphasized that monuments do more than preserve memory in stone and bronze; they also teach history and inspire future generations.
Honoring Civilian Casualties and Distinguishing Modern Uganda from Idi Amin’s Dictatorship
Alongside the commemoration of Netanyahu, the Ugandan military chief paid tribute to the civilians who died during the 1976 hostage crisis. Kainerugaba specifically named Jean-Jacques Maimoni, Pasco Cohen, Ida Borochovitch, and Dora Bloch, stating that their memory remains an important part of the solemn history. He also acknowledged the Ugandan soldiers who died during the battle.
Kainerugaba drew a clear distinction between the Uganda of today and the brutal dictatorship of Idi Amin, whose government was involved in the crisis. He stated that the events of 1976 occurred during one of the darkest periods in the country’s history, adding that the soldiers at the time fought for what they believed was a justified cause, but Amin’s government did not represent the Ugandan people. Modern Uganda, according to the military chief, is a constitutional democracy committed to peaceful relations and international cooperation.
Deepening Israel-Uganda Relations and Future Cooperation
Representing the Israeli delegation, Barack Orland thanked Kainerugaba for supporting Israel and for backing the decision to place the memorial at the historic terminal. Orland noted that the monument symbolizes two countries standing together for future generations, citing Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni to highlight how shared sacrifice has transformed a painful historical episode into a lasting connection.
Olive Birungi Lumonya, deputy director general of the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, also praised Kainerugaba for advancing the project and helping select the monument’s location, describing it as a powerful tribute to international friendship.
Looking ahead, Kainerugaba used the platform to call for deeper bilateral cooperation between Uganda and Israel. Specifically, the two nations may look to expand cooperation in security, innovation, sustainable development, and the ongoing fight against violent extremism.
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