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ecstatic Ugandans.
There was a buzz among journalists and guests in the VIP enclosure as President Mugabe disembarked from a vehicle to take his seat alongside several heads of state and government who attended the festivities.
Ugandans from different walks of life spoke glowingly about President Mugabe, describing him as “Africa’s true statesman”.
Governor of Iyanga Province Mr Shaaban Nkutu described the President as “a true Pan Africanist”.
“He is regarded very highly by the people of Uganda as a true Pan Africanist who is contributing to the total liberation of Africa from colonial rule,” he said.
Reverend of the Anglican Church of Uganda Canon Aeron Mwesigye said President Mugabe was a symbol of Africanism.
“He is a symbol of African identity and one of the few statesmen who have displayed heroic and an unwavering spirit in fighting for the African people,” he said
Rev Mwesigye said calls for President Mugabe to retire were unwarranted because the revolutionary leader still had a lot to give to Africa.
“Some people say that he has been in power for too long, but such thoughts are ill-advised,” he said.
“Such questions should not arise because it should not be a case of targeting a person but measuring that person because of the qualities that he possesses.
“In that regard, I believe President Mugabe should stay in power because he still has a lot to give to Africa.”
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Ugandan journalist Edward Echioli said President Mugabe was a victim of unfair criticism by the West.
Executive director of the Uganda Media Centre Mr Fred Opolot said President Mugabe’s thirst for the empowerment and total liberation of African people is unmatchable.
In his address at the celebrations, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni said Uganda and other African countries should craft home-grown solutions and reduce dependency on foreign aid.
President Museveni said the recent discovery of oil in the East African nation gave the country hope for economic boom.
“Our recent discovery of oil and our focus on developing our own products through value addition and innovations has given us scope for economic growth.
“We now want to have products that are developed by our own brains to grow the economy and we are proud to have achievements such as coming up with our own electric motor vehicle. This shows what Ugandans are capable of.”
President Museveni said Uganda had the potential to become a “First World country”.
“We hope to become a mid-level nation in the next few years and a First World nation in 50 years’ time,” he said.
The festivities, which started at 8am, were spiced by displays from the Uganda defence forces, cultural groups, musicians and local and international performers.
Yesterday’s event was the main celebration for a series of activities lined up for much of this year.
Some of the heads of state and government present at the celebrations were President Joseph Kabila of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt’s Mohamed Morsi, Somalia’s newly elected leader Hassan Sheik Mohamud, Kenya’s Mwai Kibaki, Rwanda’s Paul Kagame, Benin’s Yayi Boni, Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz of Mauritania, Francois Bozize of Central African Republic, Salva Kiir of South Sudan, Ian Khama of Botswana and Swaziland Prime Minister Barnabas Dlamini.
The Duke of Kent, Prince Edward, was also present alongside vice-presidents and ministers from several other countries.
President Mugabe returned home last night and was received at the Harare International Airport by Vice-President Joice Mujuru, State Security Minister Dr Sydney Sekeramayi, service chiefs and senior Government officials.
Online Reporter