President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and his Mozambican counterpart, H.E. Daniel Francisco Chapo, have reaffirmed the deep historical and military ties between their two nations during high-level talks at State House Entebbe.
The bilateral meeting, held on Tuesday, focused on regional security and the future of African cooperation. President Chapo is in Uganda for his first official visit since taking office. He expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality and praised the world-class facilities at Speke Resort Munyonyo.
“It is my first time here in Uganda. I am very happy to be here. Thank you for the warm welcome,” President Chapo stated.
During the session, President Museveni highlighted Mozambique’s pivotal role in Uganda’s liberation history. He noted that Mozambique provided covert military training to the Front for National Salvation (FRONASA) fighters in Montepuez between 1976 and 1978. This training laid the foundation for the struggle against the Idi Amin regime and the eventual formation of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
President Museveni introduced the surviving members of the "Montepuez Group" to the Mozambican leader. He revealed that only a few veterans 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.
The surviving veterans include Gen. Salim Saleh, Lt. Gen. Ivan Koreta, and Col. Bosco Omure. These individuals were instrumental in building a liberation force that eventually grew to over 9,000 fighters. President Museveni reflected on his long journey in leadership and activism during the discussion.
“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,” Museveni recalled.
The two leaders discussed expanding future strategic cooperation, including potential new training exchanges in Montepuez. President Museveni also shared Uganda's "bush war" experiences to illustrate the sacrifices made for national stability. The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to strengthening the longstanding brotherhood between Kampala and Maputo.
