Rugunda off to Cuba for Castro burial

Prime Minister Dr Ruhakana Rugunda is on his way to Cuba, where he will represent President Yoweri Museveni at the burial of Fidel Castro who died on Friday aged 90.

“Fidel Castro was a giant whom we highly admired for his support to liberation struggles in Africa. I am travelling to Havana to represent President Yoweri Museveni and to convey his and Uganda’s message of solidarity with the Cuban people during this period of national mourning,” Prime Minister Rugunda said.

“As President Museveni has said, Uganda, Africa and the world have lost a very honourable, loyal and reliable friend/comrade in Fidel Castro.”

In condolence message issued following the former Cuban leader Castro’ death, President Museveni said that as a leader of the July 26th Movement, Castro redefined Africa’s path to self rule and eventual independence in the 1960s and 70s by supporting our liberation movements.

“He fervently fought imperialism and provided direction and counsel to majority of liberation movements on the African continent. Fidel Castro was a friend, brother and leader. My sincere condolences to the people of the Republic of Cuba, “Mr Museveni said.

Cuba has announced nine days of national mourning for its leader who defined its history for more than 50 years.

Dr Rugunda left for Havana, Cuba yesterday to join several world leaders and hundreds of thousands of Cubans for a mass rally in memory of Castro at Havana’s Revolutionary Square today.

Uganda joins Southern African leaders who have paid glowing tributes to the late revolutionary icon Fidel Castro.