On Sunday, July 23, 2023, the leaders of the African National Congress (ANC) party hailed President Yoweri Museveni for having hosted the anti-apartheid freedom fighters, the UMkhonto weSizwe (MK), when the neighbouring states were afraid of settling them.
The delegation was led by the ANC’s Treasurer General, Dr. Gwen Ramokgopa.
Dr. Ramokgopa commended President Museveni while at the Oliver Thambo Leadership School in Kaweweta, Nakaseke district, where the MK fighters trained, planned, and launched attacks against the white racist regime in South Africa from 1989 to 1993, when it was defeated.
“We visited this site to cement the historical ties of both the ANC and NRM and also pay tribute to the leader of Uganda, President Yoweri Museveni, whom we consider the father of our democracy. He was able to welcome MK fighters and give them refuge when they had nowhere to go at a time when the frontline states were afraid of the apartheid regime,” Dr. Ramokgopa said.
She further saluted the leadership of President Museveni and thanked the people of Uganda.
“We really salute the leadership of President Museveni and also thank the people of Uganda, and we commit that together with the NRM, we will build on the progress we have made with our democracy until all our African children live in prosperity and better circumstances,” she added.
Dr. Ramokgopa said the Oliver Thambo School is a great pillar for grooming young nationalists.
“Young people are inspired by the sacrifices that our forefathers made. The Centre of Excellence explains why we are here, how we got here, where we are going, as well as acting decisively to make an impact in the lives of our ordinary citizens,” she said.
In her address, Hon. Amb. Barbara Nekesa Oudo, the NRM National Treasurer and Uganda’s Former High Commissioner to South Africa, said that the ANC and NRM do enjoy fraternal relations and strong historical ties that were bred out of sweat and blood.
“We are so pleased with the good relationship that Uganda has with the Republic of South Africa. We do realise that what President Museveni did to give sanctuary to the ANC fighting wing was aimed at building bridges for our African brothers and sisters for future collaborations for the betterment of our people,” Amb. Nekesa said.
H.E. Lulama Xingwana, the High Commissioner of the Republic of South Africa to Uganda, said that Uganda’s contribution to South Africa’s liberation struggles and pacifying the African continent is inspirational.
“We are greatly inspired, and it makes us feel at home away from home. You showed resilience and bravery amidst threats,” H.E. Xingwana said.
Maj. Awich Pollar, the Director of Diaspora Affairs of the NRM, and Col. Justus Rukundo, Commandant of the Oliver Thambo Leadership School and Pan-African Centre for Excellence, were also present during the tour.
