Czech Parliament Speaker Hails Entebbe Memorial As Symbol Of International Cooperation

The Speaker of the Parliament of the Czech Republic, Rt. Hon. Tomio Okamura, has described the memorial monument at the Old Terminal of Entebbe International Airport as a lasting symbol of international cooperation and a reminder of the successful rescue of hostages during the 1976 Entebbe raid.

Hon. Okamura made the remarks during a visit to the monument dedicated to the late Lt Col Yonatan “Yoni” Netanyahu, saying the site was one he had long wished to see.

He said the memorial speaks to the events of 1976, when terrorists raided Entebbe Airport and held passengers hostage, as well as the rescue operation that followed.

“I have longed to come and visit this place because it indicates how terrorists raided the place and how so many people were rescued,” Hon. Okamura said.

He said the monument represents more than a single military operation, noting that it also demonstrates the importance of cooperation among nations in addressing security challenges.

“The monument reveals the cooperation between nations. It’s better than fighting. It builds foreign relations, mutual understanding and respect,” he said.

Hon. Okamura’s visit came days after the Chief of Defence Forces of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) and Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Operations, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, presided over the unveiling of the monument at the Old Terminal.

During the unveiling ceremony, Gen Kainerugaba described the site as a tribute to the sacrifices made during the 1976 rescue operation and the partnership that made the rescue possible.

He called for the monument to be preserved as an important historical site and as a lesson for future generations.