On August 1, 2026, high-level military leadership and diplomatic
delegations convened at the Old Terminal of Entebbe International Airport to
mark the 50th anniversary of "Operation Yonatan" (July 4, 1976). The
Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, presided over the
official unveiling of a commemorative statue honoring Lt. Col. Yonatan
Netanyahu, the Israeli operational commander killed during the hostage extraction,
the presiding officer General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Chief of Defence Forces
(CDF), Key Speakers Ms. Olive Birungi Lumonya, Deputy Director General, Uganda
Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA).Senior officials from the Government of Uganda
and an official diplomatic/military delegation from the State of Israel did
attend.
To Unveil the permanent monument/statue
dedicated to Lt. Col. Yonatan Netanyahu and the resolution of the 1976 hostage
crisis.
Operation Yonatan (originally Operation Thunderbolt). July 4,
1976.Over 100 civilian hostages held at gunpoint in the control tower and main
hall of the Old Entebbe Terminal were rescued in a high-risk airborne commando
raid.
In July 2016, the facility hosted the 40th anniversary ceremony, attended
directly by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
"We are celebrating the fact that more than 100 hostages who were
held here in that old tower building at gunpoint were rescued."Ms. Olive Birungi Lumonya, Deputy Director General, UCAA
In 2016, Entebbe International Airport was privileged to host the 40th
Anniversary of the rescue mission and Israeli Prime Minister, H.E. Benjamin
Netanyahu attended the historic event and participated in the official
commemoration ceremony.
The joint event underscores ongoing security cooperation and diplomatic
links between Uganda and Israel.
The Old Terminal site remains preserved as both a functional
infrastructure area and a high-profile historical/commemorative zone under UCAA
oversight.
