By Karim Were
ENTEBBE, Saturday — Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba on Saturday unveiled a memorial monument in honour of Lt Col Yonatan “Yoni” Netanyahu at the Old Entebbe Airport Terminal, describing the occasion as a symbol of the growing friendship and security cooperation between Uganda and Israel.
Lt Col Netanyahu, the commander of the Israeli special forces team that carried out the July 4, 1976 hostage rescue mission at Entebbe Airport, was killed during the operation. He was also the elder brother of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Speaking during the ceremony, Gen Kainerugaba said the monument was intended to preserve the memory of a soldier whose actions had become synonymous with courage, sacrifice and duty.
“It is a great honour and privilege to join you at this historic site as we unveil this monument to Lieutenant Colonel Yonatan ‘Yoni’ Netanyahu, the courageous commander of the Israeli rescue force whose leadership and ultimate sacrifice during the Entebbe raid of 4th July 1976 has become an enduring symbol of courage, duty and selfless service,” he said.
The Chief of Defence Forces said the memorial represented more than the remembrance of an individual, adding that it reflected universal values of courage, commitment to protecting innocent lives and dedication to duty.
“Monuments are more than stone and bronze. They preserve memory, teach history and inspire future generations. This monument, therefore, carries significance far beyond commemorating one brave individual,” he said.
Gen Kainerugaba also paid tribute to the civilian hostages who died during the 1976 crisis, naming Jean-Jacques Maimoni, Pasco Cohen, Ida Borochovitch and Dora Bloch.
“As we gather here, we also respectfully remember the innocent hostages who lost their lives during those tragic events. Their memory remains an important part of this solemn history,” he said.
Reflecting on the events surrounding the military operation, Gen Kainerugaba acknowledged the Ugandan soldiers who were killed during the confrontation, while distinguishing their service from the leadership of the late President Idi Amin.
“We also recognise today the Ugandan soldiers who fought valiantly that day in what they believed was a justified cause. Of course, today we know that the government of Idi Amin, which they served, was a brutal dictatorship which did not represent the Ugandan people in any way,” he said.
He said Uganda had since transformed into a constitutional democracy committed to peaceful coexistence and constructive engagement with the international community.
“The events that unfolded here in July 1976 remain one of the most significant episodes in modern history. They occurred during one of the darkest periods in our country’s history. Today, however, Uganda is a constitutional democracy committed to peaceful coexistence and constructive engagement with the international community,” he said.
Gen Kainerugaba said Uganda and Israel had maintained longstanding relations founded on mutual respect and practical cooperation, adding that both countries should continue strengthening collaboration in areas of common interest.
“The friendship between Uganda and Israel extends well beyond the events of 1976. Our two countries have enjoyed good relations for a long time now, founded on mutual respect and practical cooperation,” he said.
He said Uganda remained committed to expanding cooperation with Israel in security, innovation and development while working together to address global security challenges and promote peace.
The unveiling of the monument comes as Uganda and Israel continue to strengthen bilateral relations in defence, security, trade and technology, nearly five decades after the dramatic Entebbe hostage rescue operation that drew global attention to the East African nation.
