SATURDAY evening was an atmosphere of euphoria as Ugandans living in Rwanda and friends converged at Kigali Serena hotel to celebrate Uganda’s 52nd independence anniversary.

Guests started trickling in as early as 6pm and by 8pm, the venue was full to capacity as the well decorated giant tent echoed with voices of joy and merry making.   The speeches were brief as dining and entertainment by Neptune band dominated the better part of the evening.

The guest of honour was Foreign Affairs Minister, Louise Mushikiwabo.  In her speech, she hailed the brotherly ties between Uganda and Rwanda describing them as a relationship that has stood the test of time.

Mushikiwabo commended Uganda’s High Commissioner to Rwanda, Richard Kabonero, for the excellent job done in deepening ties between Uganda and Rwanda.

In his remarks, Kabonero, said the celebration was a sense of accomplishment and looked forward to a stronger, united East Africa that is able to claim its right place among nations.

He noted that Rwanda and Uganda have a lot to celebrate. "It is safe to say that our historical and fraternal ties have never been stronger.  Just this week so many were adhered to important milestones with our private sector committing to forge deeper and lasting business relationships,” Kabonero said.

Kabonero thanked the Government of Rwanda for the role it is playing in advocating for Africa adding that Rwanda’s membership to the UN Security Council for the last two years has done Africa proud. Kabonero saluted the Government and people of Rwanda for the accelerated pace of development which impacts in the whole region.  The event was graced by a host of dignitaries including ministers, diplomats and prominent business personalities from both Uganda and Rwanda.