Chissano is a leader in his own class, says Rugunda
L-R: Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda, former Mozambique leader Joachim Chissano and Trinidad and Tobago High Commissioner to Uganda Patrick Edwards arrive for a dinner for diplomats in Kampala at the weekend. PHOTO BY STEPHEN WANDERA
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He also saluted Mr Chissano for serving under various missions for the United Nations. On several occasions, Mr Chissano has served as the special representative of United Nations in order to resolve certain disputes on the African continent.
Kampala- Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda has described former Mozambique president Joaquim Chissano as an exceptional African leader.
Mr Chissano, who served from 1986 to 2005, is credited for transforming the war-torn country after a liberation struggle.
“President Chissano was able to steer Mozambique during the liberation struggle. People of Mozambique elected him to lead the country and he later handed over power to his successor,” Dr Rugunda said.
“He was later recognised as the first African President for the Mo Ibrahim Awards for good governance. For a number of years, the Ibrahim Momo Award committee has been looking for people like Chissano to give the award but have not been successful. This calls that you are a leader in your own class,” he added.
The Mo Ibrahim Awards recognise African leaders that adhere to democracy and leave power without manipulating their respective constitutions to have grip onto power.
The Prime Minister made the remarks at the first annual dinner for diplomats at Kampala Serena Hotel at the weekend, where Mr Chissano was the keynote speaker.
The dinner was also meant to fundraise for Mulago hospital.
He also saluted Mr Chissano for serving under various missions for the United Nations. On several occasions, Mr Chissano has served as the special representative of United Nations in order to resolve certain disputes on the African continent.
Mr Chissano welcomed Dr Rugunda’s complements.
“I would like to thank Dr Rugunda for the kind words addressed to me,” he said.
He also hailed President Museveni for putting Uganda on the right path to democracy and achieving economic growth.
The former Mozambique president, however, cautioned Mr Museveni to watch out on the effects of high population growth that could slow future economic growth.
