The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, on Saturday unveiled a memorial monument in honour of Lieutenant Colonel Yonatan “Yoni” Netanyahu at the historic Old Entebbe Airport Terminal, describing the occasion as a symbol of the enduring friendship and growing security cooperation between Uganda and Israel.
The monument commemorates Lt. Col. Netanyahu, the commander of the Israeli special forces unit killed during the July 4, 1976 hostage rescue mission at Entebbe. He was the elder brother of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Speaking during the ceremony, Gen Kainerugaba said it was a privilege to honour the fallen commander at the very site where he made the ultimate sacrifice.
“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, 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 CDF said the memorial is not only a tribute to an exceptional soldier but also a reminder of the values of courage, sacrifice and duty.
“Today, this memorial stands not only in remembrance of a distinguished soldier, but also as a tribute to the enduring values he embodied: courage in the face of danger, unwavering commitment to protecting innocent lives, and steadfast devotion to duty,” he said.
Gen Kainerugaba added that monuments preserve history and inspire future generations, noting that the significance of the memorial extends beyond commemorating one individual.
He also paid tribute to the civilian hostages who lost their lives during the 1976 crisis, remembering 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 of July 1976, Gen Kainerugaba acknowledged the Ugandan soldiers who died during the confrontation while stressing that the current Ugandan state is fundamentally different from the regime of former President Idi Amin.
“We also recognize 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.
The CDF noted that Uganda has 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 reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Israel, saying the partnership extends far beyond the events of 1976 and is founded on mutual respect and practical cooperation.
“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 both countries would continue working together in areas of security, innovation, peace and sustainable development while confronting emerging global threats and violent extremism.
“As we look to the future, we remain committed to deepening our cooperation across all areas of mutual interest while working together to advance peace, security, innovation, and sustainable development,” Gen Kainerugaba concluded.
Speaking on behalf of the Israeli delegation, Mr. Barack Orland thanked General Kainerugaba, recalling the moment the General first declared that the UPDF would stand with Israel. To Orland, that gesture mirrored the biblical story of the Kenites, who chose to support the Israelites in the desert out of pure loyalty and goodwill.
Mr. Orland stressed that the relationship between Uganda and Israel holds that same spark, noting that the new monument is far more than stone—it stands as a testament to two nations standing shoulder-to-shoulder for the sake of future generations. He thanked General Kainerugaba for making the decisive call to place the memorial at the site.
Quoting President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Mr. Orland noted that such sacrifices turn painful historical events into a lasting bond between the Holy Land and the Pearl of Africa.
Also speaking at the event, the Deputy Director General of the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), Ms. Olive Birungi Lumonya, hailed the CDF for taking the initiative to make the monument a reality.
She noted that the unveiling of the monument dedicated to the late Lt. Col. Yonatan Netanyahu stands as a powerful testament to courage, sacrifice, and enduring international friendship.
“We extend our sincere appreciation to the Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for his leadership, vision, and steadfast commitment to identifying the ideal location for this monument and bringing this significant project to fruition,” Ms. Lumonya said.
The function was also attended by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry of foreign affairs Vincent Bagiire, the UPDF Airforce Commander Lt Gen Charles Okidi, aviation security chief Brig Mike Kisame, Director Defence Public Information Col Chris Magezi, directors from Civil Aviation Authority, Executive Director Ugandan Tourism Board Juliana Kaggwa, and other senior government and military leaders.
