President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Tuesday held bilateral talks with the President of Mozambique, H.E. Daniel Francisco Chapo, at State House , Entebbe .
The , two leaders reaffirming the longstanding historical ties between Uganda and Mozambique and discussing matters of national and regional importance, including security and cooperation among African countries.
President Chapo, who is in Uganda for official engagements, thanked President Museveni and the people of Uganda for the warm hospitality extended to him during his maiden visit to the country.
“It is my first time here in Uganda. I am very happy to be here. Thank you for the warm welcome,” President Chapo said.
The Mozambican leader also praised the facilities and hospitality at Speke Resort Munyonyo, describing the venue as “very amazing.”
During the discussions, President Museveni reflected on the deep historical connection between Uganda and Mozambique, particularly Mozambique’s contribution to Uganda’s liberation struggle through military training support offered to FRONASA fighters in Montepuez between 1976 and 1978.
President Museveni said he was happy to see some of the surviving members of the historic Montepuez group, whom he gladly showed to his country noting that only three survivors remain from the original 28 trainees.
“Only four survivors remain from the original 28 FRONASA trainees who underwent covert military training in Montepuez, Mozambique, between 1976 and 1978,” President Museveni said.
He explained that the “Montepuez Group” played a significant role in laying the foundation for the struggle against the Idi Amin regime and later contributed to the formation of the modern Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
According to President Museveni, the group became instrumental in building a liberation force that later grew to more than 9,000 fighters.
Some of the surviving veterans include Gen. Salim Saleh (Caleb Akandwanaho), the Senior Presidential Advisor; Lt. Gen. Ivan Koreta, a senior military leader and former Member of Parliament; and Col. Bosco Omure, coordinator for special duties and development programmes in Northern Uganda.
President Museveni also hinted at the possibility of future military and strategic cooperation, including more training exchanges in Montepuez.
President Museveni further took his Mozambican counterpart through Uganda’s bush war experience and the sacrifices made during the liberation struggle.
“I was the leader of students in the 1960’s and from then I didn’t look back ,I have been in the struggle for the last 65 years ,” President Museveni recalled while narrating some of the experiences that shaped Uganda’s liberation journey.
