President Yoweri Museveni was Thursday awarded the country's highest military medal, 'The Order of Katonga' during celebrations marking Heroes Day in Buikwe district, central Uganda.
The president becomes the third person to receive the award named after the battle of Katonga which was fought near a river by the same name that marked one of the final assaults by the Museveni-led National Resistance Army during the bush war.
The other two holders of the Order of Katonga are former Libyan leader Col Muammar Gaddafi and former Tanzanian president Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, who were awarded posthumously for their contribution in Uganda's liberation struggle from Idi Amin's dictatorial grip.
Gen Elly Tumwine, the chairman of the Decoration Board, said Mr Museveni was recognised for his daring escape, 'with only a pistol', from Ugandan army soldiers who ambushed them at a meeting in Mbale to plan the liberation. A fight ensued that led to the death of two army men and two Museveni's comrades.
"That escape of Yoweri Museveni in 1972... ensured his survival, thus enabling him later, to lead an attack on Kabamba Barracks in Mubende District," Gen Tumwine said.
General Salim Saleh, the president's younger brother was awarded the Kabalega Star medal, the second highest while former East African Affairs minister Eriya Kategaya was posthumously awarded the Rwenzori medal which is the third highest.
"During the [liberation] struggle, Saleh commanded the mobile forces during the guerrilla war. He exhibited command, manoeuver towards the Uganda National Liberation Force soldiers and were a turning point in the struggle," Gen Tumwine said.
Mr Museveni, the longest serving ruler in East Africa, has been president since 1986 when he led the rebel National Resistance Army to topple the government in Kampala after a five-year guerrilla war.
650 medals will be given out to other people who contributed in the armed struggle.
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