Gen. Muhoozi Unveils Yoni Netanyahu Monument at Old Entebbe Terminal

In a landmark ceremony reflecting historical reconciliation and strategic alignment, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has officially unveiled a memorial monument dedicated to Lieutenant Colonel Yonatan “Yoni” Netanyahu at the historic Old Entebbe Airport Terminal.

The bronze monument honors the late Israeli commando commander—the older brother of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—who was killed at the site on July 4, 1976, while leading Operation Entebbe to rescue over 100 hostages held by hijackers under the regime of dictator Idi Amin.

Addressing military chiefs, diplomats, aviation authorities, and international guests, Gen. Kainerugaba framed the memorial as a symbol of courage, duty, and the enduring security partnership between Uganda and Israel.

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Speaking at the exact location where the 1976 raid unfolded, Gen. Kainerugaba paid tribute to the fallen commando commander and stressed that the monument represents universal military ethics and humanitarian values.

“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 July 4th, 1976 has become an enduring symbol of courage, duty, and selfless service,” Gen. Kainerugaba declared.

“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.”

The military chief also paid tribute to the civilian hostages who lost their lives during the 1976 crisis—specifically naming Jean-Jacques Maimoni, Pasco Cohen, Ida Borochovitch, and Dora Bloch—acknowledging their tragic loss as an integral part of shared history.

In an assessment of the historical clash, Gen. Kainerugaba acknowledged the Ugandan soldiers who died during the 1976 raid, while explicitly drawing a clear distinction between the current government and the military junta of Idi Amin.

“We also recognize today the Ugandan soldiers who fought valiantly that day in what they believed was a justified cause,” Kainerugaba noted. “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 emphasized that Uganda has evolved into a constitutional democracy committed to international cooperation, peaceful coexistence, and strong counter-terrorism collaboration.

Israeli representative Barack Orland commended Gen. Kainerugaba for his leadership in bringing the memorial project to fruition at the exact historical site. Quoting President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Orland noted that such shared historical milestones transform past tragedy into an unshakeable bond between the Holy Land and the Pearl of Africa.

Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) Deputy Director General Olive Birungi Lumonya praised the initiative, highlighting that the monument adds historic and educational value to the Old Entebbe Terminal precinct.

The high-profile ceremony was attended by senior government and military officials, including Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Vincent Bagiire, UPDF Air Force Commander Lt. Gen. Charles Okidi, and Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) CEO Juliana Kaggwa.