Former Israeli Hostage Returns to Entebbe, Meets President Museveni

President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda recently welcomed Mr. Gilbert Weill, a survivor of the 1976 Entebbe Airport hijacking, along with his family and friends. This reunion, hosted at State House Entebbe, marks a significant return for Mr. Weill, a former hostage, nearly five decades after the internationally acclaimed rescue operation.

Mr. Weill, now 78, was specifically invited to Uganda as part of a delegation of former hostages to revisit the scene of the hijacking. The group, which included Israeli and Belgian survivors, also toured the old Entebbe Airport terminal where they were held captive. This visit highlights the strengthening ties and friendships between Uganda, Israel, and Belgium.

During their meeting, President Museveni shared Uganda’s journey of transformation, including its liberation struggles and rebuilding efforts after periods of instability. He reflected on the 1976 hijacking, noting that while tragic, the subsequent rescue operation played a role in undermining the influence of the then-dictator, Idi Amin.

The President emphasized Uganda’s progress in overcoming past divisions and reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to unity, stability, and development. He pointed to the country’s rich potential in agriculture, minerals, water resources, and its people.

President Museveni also praised the existing relationship with Israel and advocated for enhanced economic partnerships with Europe, particularly in value-added processing and export-oriented investments. He stressed that Uganda offers substantial investment opportunities for European and wider African markets.

Mr. Weill expressed his deep gratitude for the invitation, describing his return to Uganda after such a long period as an emotional and profoundly meaningful experience.

The visit serves as a poignant reminder of a critical moment in aviation history and reinforces international friendship and understanding with those affected by the 1976 Entebbe hijacking.

Source: State House (Uganda) https://statehouse.go.ug/entebbe-old-terminal-ordeal-president-museveni-hosts-former-israeli-hostage