Queen Elizabeth II of United Kingdom Arrives in Uganda
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of United Kingdom of Britain arrived in Uganda at Entebbe International Airport yesterday on 21st November 2007 abode Queen’s royal jet at 5.30 pm. She was welcomed by a grand welcome.
Two minutes later she stepped out of the airplane wearing a cream hat and long-sleeved beige overcoat and black bag strapped over her left shoulder. She was accompanied by her husband Prince Phillip the Duke of Edinburgh who was wearing a dark suit. At Entebbe airport she was received by the British High Commission in Uganda Francois Gordon and the chief of Protocol in foreign affairs Ministry, Richard Ssenyomo.
The Queen paused for couple of seconds looking out at Lake Victoria. She was last here in 1954 when she commissioned the Owen Falls Dam at Jinja. After she was driven to New refurbished Entebbe State House. Was received by President Yoweri Museveni and his wife Janet Museveni. She was given a red carpet welcome by the president and other high ranking officials in the government.
Inside the State House she was shown Uganda’s Court of Arms and other symbols of Uganda’s heritage. Both held a closed meeting. Queen Elizabeth has become the first head of state to be hosted at the renovated Entebbe State House. Crowds of Uganda people lined up along the Entebbe road to welcome her Convoy up to Kampala a stretch of 40 km.
According to Buckingham Palace officials in the royal entourage, over 100,000 people turned up to receive the Queen. They said they had never seen such reception during the Queen’s foreign visits.
Queen will open the Common Heads of Government Meeting CHOGM on 23rd November at Kampala Serena Hotel. Visit the AIDs children hospital on Entebbe road Mildmay Center and address the Uganda Parliament. She is also expected to tour Queen Elizabeth National park later.
Fred R. Bukenya