KAMPALA — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has praised Uganda following the unveiling of a memorial monument dedicated to his elder brother, Lieutenant Colonel Yonatan “Yoni” Netanyahu, at the historic Old Entebbe Terminal.
The monument was unveiled by Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, in a ceremony highlighting renewed cooperation and historical ties between Uganda and Israel.
Plans for a memorial at Entebbe honouring Yoni Netanyahu had earlier been announced by Gen Kainerugaba as a symbol of the relationship between the two countries.
In a statement shared on his Facebook account, Prime Minister Netanyahu commended Uganda for honouring his brother, who was killed during the 1976 Israeli military operation to rescue hostages held at Entebbe Airport.
“With a moved heart, I received the news of the inauguration of the monument in memory of my brother Yoni, at the old terminal in Entebbe – the place where he led the force that breached the terminal, freed the hostages, and fell in battle. Yoni was and remains a symbol of courage, self-sacrifice, and love for the homeland. His legacy lives today in the IDF soldiers and security forces fighting bravely for Israel’s security and for the return of all our hostages,” Netanyahu wrote.
He added: “Fifty years have passed, but his spirit continues to inspire in Israel and around the world. Thank you to our friends in Uganda for the honour and the remembrance. May Yoni’s memory be blessed.”
Ugandan officials described the monument as a symbol of courage, sacrifice and the shared commitment of Uganda and Israel to security cooperation and humanitarian values.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Gen Kainerugaba said the memorial was erected at the site where Lt Col Yoni Netanyahu lost his life during the Entebbe raid on July 4, 1976.
“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 has become an enduring symbol of courage, duty and selfless service,” Gen Kainerugaba said.
He said the monument was intended to preserve historical memory and honour values beyond military service.
“Monuments are more than stone and bronze. They preserve memory, teach history and inspire future generations,” he said.
Gen Kainerugaba also paid tribute to the civilian hostages who lost their lives during the 1976 crisis, including Jean-Jacques Maimoni, Pasco Cohen, Ida Borochovitch and Dora Bloch.
He further acknowledged Ugandan soldiers who died during the confrontation, while distinguishing the actions of the then government of Idi Amin from present-day Uganda.
“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 said Uganda has since transformed into a constitutional democracy committed to peaceful coexistence and international 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,” Gen Kainerugaba said.
He added that both countries should continue strengthening cooperation in areas of security, innovation and development.
“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,” he said.
Representing the Israeli delegation, Mr Barack Orland thanked Gen Kainerugaba for spearheading the establishment of the monument, describing it as a symbol of friendship between Uganda and Israel.
He said the memorial represented more than a structure, but rather a reminder of the bond between the two nations and their shared commitment to future generations.
Uganda Civil Aviation Authority Deputy Director General Olive Birungi Lumonya also commended Gen Kainerugaba for identifying the location and supporting the completion of the project.
She described the memorial as a tribute to courage, sacrifice and international friendship.
The ceremony was attended by senior government and military officials, including Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Vincent Bagiire, UPDF Air Force Commander Lt Gen Charles Okidi, aviation security chief Brig Mike Kisame, Defence Public Information Director Col Chris Magezi, Uganda Tourism Board officials and other invited guests.
The 1976 Entebbe raid remains one of the most notable counter-terrorism operations in modern history. Lt Col Yonatan Netanyahu, commander of Israel’s elite Sayeret Matkal unit, was the only Israeli soldier killed during the rescue mission, which freed more than 100 hostages from a hijacked Air France aircraft at Entebbe Airport.