A delegation of Israeli and Belgian ex-hostages of the 1976 hijacking incident has returned to Uganda and visited the old airport terminal at Entebbe International Airport, nearly 50 years after they were held there during the hijacking incident that ended in a dramatic rescue operation.
The visit comes just weeks after Uganda hosted another group of former hostages, reflecting growing people-to-people connections and renewed ties between Uganda, Israel, and Belgium.
The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces Acting Director of Defence Public Information, Colonel Chris Magezi, described the incident as a terrorist act that targeted innocent civilians and should never be repeated. He observed that while the incident was tragic, the successful rescue operation became a turning point in relations between Uganda and Israel.
“We share a lot with Israel, especially in military technical cooperation, intelligence sharing, and civilian sectors such as agriculture, information technology, and the global fight against terrorism,” Col Magezi said.
“Uganda has much to learn from Israel, a small nation that has thrived in a volatile region.”
He also expressed solidarity with the Israeli people, commending their resilience and ability to overcome generations of adversity.
Col Magezi thanked the delegation for visiting Uganda despite concerns generated by recent reports about Ebola, emphasising that the country currently has no active Ebola cases while urging citizens to remain vigilant. He further pledged continued support to facilitate future commemorative visits by former hostages and their families.
Among the visitors was Mr. Gilbert Weill, one of the former hostages held during the 1976 hijacking. Returning to Uganda nearly 50 years after the incident, Mr. Weill was accompanied by his two sons, grandchildren, and a delegation of more than 30 Jewish and Belgian visitors.
Mr. Weill said the journey was deeply personal, describing it as an opportunity to honour the memory of his late wife, who passed away a year and a half ago, as well as those who lost their lives during the operation.
“This is a journey of healing and remembrance,” he said.
He expressed appreciation for Uganda’s hospitality and said he was particularly excited to once again taste Uganda’s famous yellow bananas, which he last ate while being held hostage in Entebbe in 1976.
Uganda’s Ambassador to Belgium, Her Excellency Mirjam Blaak Sow, said the visit symbolises resilience, reconciliation, and the strengthening partnership between Uganda, Israel, and Belgium.
She noted that such engagements help preserve historical memory while fostering friendship and cooperation among the nations involved.
Today, the old terminal at Entebbe stands as a historical site marked by memories of fear, loss, and a dramatic rescue that has since become one of the most studied counterterrorism operations in modern history.
