Colonel Magezi Describes 1976 Entebbe Hijacking As Terror Act During Visit By Former Hostages

Uganda welcomed a delegation of former Israeli and Belgian hostages who returned to the country nearly 50 years after the 1976 Entebbe hijacking. The visit, which included survivors and family members, focused on reflection and remembrance at the old terminal of Entebbe International Airport. Colonel Chris Magezi, Acting Director of Defence Public Information, described the hijacking as a "terrorist act against innocent civilians" and emphasized that such events must never be repeated. He also highlighted the enduring and expanding cooperation between Uganda and Israel, particularly in military, intelligence, and civilian sectors like agriculture and information technology. "We share a lot with Israel, especially in military technical cooperation, intelligence sharing, and civilian sectors such as agriculture, information technology, and the global fight against terrorism," Magezi stated. Uganda values its partnership with Israel and continues to learn from its security experiences. Magezi also reassured the delegation about Uganda's health security, noting the absence of active Ebola cases while urging continued vigilance. Gilbert Weill, a former hostage, described the visit as a "journey of healing and remembrance," allowing him to honor those lost. He expressed anticipation for tasting Uganda's yellow bananas again, a memory from his captivity. Uganda's Ambassador to Belgium, Mirjam Blaak Sow, viewed the visit as a symbol of reconciliation and strengthened ties between the three nations. The old Entebbe terminal remains a significant historical site, studied for its connection to the hijacking and the subsequent counterterrorism mission.

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We share a lot with Israel, especially in military technical cooperation, intelligence sharing, and civilian sectors such as agriculture, information technology, and the global fight against terrorism.