Uganda Unveils Statue of Yonatan Netanyahu at Entebbe
Uganda Unveils Statue of Yonatan Netanyahu at Entebbe: Uganda unveils a statue honoring Lt. Col. Yonatan Netanyahu at Old Entebbe Airport terminal, commemorating the 1976 hostage rescue operation. The older brother of Israel’s current prime minister, who was killed while leading the elite commando team during the 1976 Entebbe hostage rescue mission. Yonatan Netanyahu was the only Israeli soldier killed in the raid, which rescued more than 100 hostages, after two Palestinians and two Germans hijacked an Air France flight that had taken off from Tel Aviv and was diverted to Uganda’s international airport.
The Paris-bound plane, which had taken off from Tel Aviv on 27 June 1976, made a stop in Athens, which is where the two Palestinians and two Germans hijackers, from the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), boarded the aircraft. They took control and forced the plane to divert to Libya, where it refuelled. The Airbus A300 then flew to Uganda, where Amin welcomed it as it landed. The hijackers demanded $5m and the freeing of 53 militants jailed in Israel, France, Germany, Switzerland and Kenya in return for the hostages. Some of the hostages were released on 30 June and 1 July, but the Israelis and Jews were held captive. On 3 July, after flying from Israel via Kenya, elite commandos landed at Entebbe international airport and launched the operation that lasted less than 90 minutes. The rescue mission was celebrated in Israel but was a profound humiliation to Amin.
During the operation, three hostages – Jean-Jacques Mimouni, Pasco Cohen and Ida Borochovitch died in the raid, and Dora Bloch was later murdered in hospital in the capital, Kampala, while being treated there. The hijackers and three accomplices who joined them in Uganda were also killed, as well as at least 45 Ugandan soldiers were killed in fighting with the Israelis.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has thanked Uganda for erecting a statue of his late brother, Yonatan Netanyahu, at the Old Entebbe Airport terminal where he was killed while leading the 1976 hostage-rescue operation.
Can Tourists Visit the Old Entebbe Airport Terminal?
The Old Terminal still stands next to the modern Entebbe International Airport. It is strictly military property and it is not open as a standard museum or a tourist attraction. The building holds visible bullet damage from the 1976 assault, and a commemorative statue dedicated to Yonatan Netanyahu found at the site. Access can sometimes be arranged through local tour operators or by request for official delegations. Uganda is stable and welcoming to tourists, and Entebbe itself is a relaxed lakeside town commonly used as a gateway for gorilla trekking safaris in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Travel Requirements at Entebbe International Airport
Travelers who plan to travel to Uganda are supposed to have these requirements for their travel to be successful upon arrival and check in at the customs/ check-in desk. The required documents are very vital for one to enter or stay in Uganda just like in any other country. The following are some of the requirements needed for travelling to Uganda.
Valid Passport
Your Passport Must Be Valid. Uganda immigration requires passports valid for minimum six months from your arrival date. This applies whether you fly into Entebbe Airport or cross land borders. We strongly recommend 6-12 months validity buffer preventing last-minute complications. Travellers are advised to check their passport’s validity before making any travelling plans, your passport’s expiry date should be at least 6 – 12 months. Children of all ages need their own individual passports.
Visa
Lest your visa is from a visa exempted country like Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, South Sudan and Burundi. You can check the e-visa official portal website. You can as well apply online for the e-visa at visas.immigration.go.ug. It is advised to apply 3-5 weeks before travel since processing takes 3-5 business days. We do not encourage to rely on visa-on-arrival as queues grow long and denials occur.
Yellow Fever Certificate is Obligatory
All travellers of one year and above need a yellow fever certificate or card in order to access Uganda. Vaccination must happen 10 days before travel. Yellow fever Certificate/card is valid for life. Travelling without a yellow certificate/card may lead to denial of entry in Uganda.
Activities To Do Near Entebbe Airport on A Layover
Entebbe, is situated on the shores of Lake Victoria and offers a tranquil mix of wildlife, nature, local culture, and lakeside experiences. With adequate planning, you can take a few hours outside of Entebbe International Airport, explore a few nearby attractions, and return in time for your connecting flight. Depending on the time of your layover, you can spend more than 3 hours exploring the town of Entebbe with its beautiful attractions located in close proximity with the airport for easy access.
Visit The Uganda Wildlife Education Center
UWEC is located a short distance from Entebbe International Airport, it offers visitors with a chance to see some of Uganda’s famous wildlife without traveling to a national park. The center takes cares of rescued and confiscated wildlife while providing conservation education. Some of the animals that are found at the center include; lions, giraffe, zebras, elephant, chimps, rhinos, shoe bill stock and other native species.
Entebbe Botanical Gardens
Entebbe’s Botanical Garden was first laid out in 1898, placed along the shores of Lake Victoria and cover about 40 hectares, the gardens provide a peaceful environment filled with tropical plants, trees, birds, and monkeys. Visitors can explore the gardens while spotting birds and primates. Some the primates like the grey-cheeked mangabeys, vervet monkeys, and black-and-white colobus are often seen moving through the trees. Bird enthusiasts are in luck to see some of the beautiful rare species of birds like the Ross’s turaco and the great blue turaco.
Relax At the Beach
Beaches remain the most visited attraction in Entebbe. Popular beaches along the shores of Lake Victoria allow visitors to swim, relax, sunbath and enjoy local food, such as freshly fried Nile perch fish, Rolex the most famous Uganda street food. Some of these beaches include coco beach, lido beach
Explore Local Markets
Exploring local markets presents important insights into the everyday life of Ugandans. Entebbe’s markets offer fresh produce, clothing, handmade items, snacks, and other everyday goods. If you enjoy shopping and cultural experiences, visiting a local market can be another interesting activity.
Entebbe Craft Village.
For travellers wanting authentic and locally made souvenirs, the Entebbe Craft Village offers handwoven baskets, wood carvings, and traditional textiles directly from local artisans, providing a more grounded shopping experience than typical airport gift shops and directly supporting the crafts people behind the work.
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