President Yoweri Museveni has paid tribute to the FRELIMO fighters and veterans whom he regarded as heroes for liberating Mozambique and the greater African continent.
Museveni, on his second day of his state visit to Mozambique visited the Heroes Memorial Square in Maputo where he paid tribute to fallen FRELIMO heroes, including founding President Eduardo Chivambo Mondlane and his successor Samora Machel.
He said that the Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO) leaders and fighters “played a great role in not just the liberation of Mozambique but the wider African liberation struggle”.
“It is a role and contribution we shall never forget,” Museveni said in a tribute.
He further lauded the veterans for defending the independence of Mozambique at a time when neighbouring countries like South Africa and Zimbabwe were opposed to their liberation.
“I am also indebted to the veterans for helping train Ugandan soldiers in the liberated zones of Montepuez in the 1970s,” he added.
The FRELIMO veterans had hosted Museveni and President Jacinto Nyusi of Mozambique to a luncheon at the Military Club in Maputo.
The President also visited the National Assembly where he held talks with the Speaker, Veronica Macamo and other executive members.
Museveni noted that with Africa now fully liberated, the new breed of leaders on the continent must now focus on economic development to rid Africa of poverty.
In his discussion with Speaker Macamo, he also pushed for support of stronger trade cooperation between Mozambique and Uganda.
“These two brotherly countries have abundant natural resources and great economic potential. With partnership, a lot can be realised for the common good of our citizens,” Museveni said.