"President Museveni is not a stranger to liberations and to Rwanda's liberation in particular,” President Paul Kagame hailed President Yoweri Museveni's contribution to the end of genocide in Rwanda and struggle for freedom at the beginning of his speech.
President Museveni joined Rwandans yesterday to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of their National Liberation day at an occasion described by Rwanda's Foreign affairs Minister as "an end to a period of mourning to embrace life."
President Museveni joined other Heads of State to witness the unveiling of the Campaign-Against-Genocide monument and museum at Rwandan parliamentary buildings in commemoration of 20 years of freedom before proceeding to Stade Amahoro where the main ceremony was held.
Other Heads of State in attendance included Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya who doubles as the chairman of the East African Community, Salva Kiir of South Sudan, Burundi's Vice President, Mbazo Mbazo, and Ethiopia's Foreign Affairs Minister, Tedros Adhanom.
Other countries represented at the celebrations included Tanzania, Haiti, DRC, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and South Sudan.
Mr. Museveni and other heads of state proceed to Amahoro Stadium where the main ceremony took place.
Earlier in the morning, President Museveni held a meeting with South Sudan President Saliva Kiir and the two leaders discussed issues of mutual interest to their countries.
There was excitement at the Stadium when Rwanda's Foreign Affairs Minister recognised President Museveni's attendance to thunderous applause by Rwandans to a leader who has earned respect in the region as a Senior Statesman renowned for his Pan-African stand, support to freedom struggle in Africa and contribution to regional peace and security.
Uganda has carried out peace-keeping missions in Western Africa's Liberia, had contributed the biggest contingent to AMISOM toward restoration of peace and security in Somalia, intervened to stop the collapse of Juba lowering expected death rates arising out of conflict in Africa's newest state South Sudan.
Uganda commendably secured critical installations and infrastructure in South Sudan like the airport that was used by several states to evacuate their nationals at the height of the bloody conflict in the country.
Rwanda's colorful celebration was spiced by exciting parade mounted by Rwanda Defence Forces including disabled soldiers who liberated the country in 1994, Police, Prisons, and traditional dance by Urukereza Group.
Delivering his speech at Stadium Amahoro, President Kagame said, "liberation is not a simple event but an attitude that requires determination in order to succeed”.
He also commended President Museveni for his contribution to the liberation of the people of Rwanda that put an end to Genocide.
"Your Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, thank you very much for being with us today. President Museveni is not a stranger to liberations and to Rwanda's liberation in particular," President Kagame said.
On his part, President Uhuru Kenyatta, who spoke on behalf of East African leaders, assured the people of Rwanda of East African Community support.
There is a growing spirit in East Africa of leaders speaking with one voice.
President Museveni and other heads opted to have their Chairman (East African Community) speak on their behalf at Rwanda's celebrations.
The same spirit was manifested at the 6th Integration Projects Summit where when President Museveni was called upon to make a statement and he said, “since my Chairman, referring to President Kagame, has given a summary, I wont say much. I fall into line”.
The same spirit was echoed by Presidents Uhuru Kenyatta and Salva Kiir.
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