President Yoweri Museveni made unusual international headlines today, after his tweet claiming to be in a mutual relationship with Queen Elizabeth II of England.
In a tweet, Museveni explains how as a little boy, his mother showed him the queen’s picture. He then adds that he and the queen are friends with mutual benefits.
The president says he is now speaking English, and refers to the British language as a captured weapon we are now employing.
What surprised the international media is Museveni’s rhetoric of calling the queen his mutual friend. They all wondered, whether he is aware that the phrase "friends with benefits" or mutual friends, is an indirect word for an acquaintance you have casual sex with.
The tweet however originates from the President’s speech as the chief guest, during celebration of the official birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, in the year of her Sapphire Jubilee and 65th anniversary of her reign.
The party was last evening at the British High Commissioner’s residence.
In his speech, President Museveni said he has keenly followed the events of Her Majesty since her coronation. "I was a bit young, I remember my mother showing me a picture of a young lady and said, this is the Queen of England,” he said.
At the same event, the President reminisced Queen Elizabeth's 1954 visit to Uganda at the inauguration of the Owen falls dam and Queen Elizabeth National Park.
President Museveni also shared his memories with the guests on how he had to wait until 1996 to meet Her Majesty the Queen at Buckingham palace.
The president further emphasized the role of the Queen whom he described as very important.
“Our relationship with Kenya was not good at some point during Mzee Moi’s reign. We used the opportunity of the Common Wealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) which was sitting in Vancouver to bring peace between the two countries. We were forced to talk because of her presence," he said.
He added, "I salute and thank God for her long life and reign as the Queen of England."
His Excellency credited England's good working relationship with Uganda and continuous support in the latter's economic recovery walk. Citing the time when the British government lent a hand in the upgrade of the Owen falls dam from 60 mega watts to 180 mega watts; "that was the beginning of our economic recovery."
Mr. Museveni said a long lasting realtionship is dependant on three key aspects; investments, trade and tourism.
"Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), a very good way of spreading prosperity globally. FDI has helped China become the second largest economy in the world."
He went further, "trade by imports and exports between the two countries; and lastly, Tourism, which brings in easy money, unlike other sectors."
President Museveni concluded: "I want to extend my condolences to the British for the misfortunes that have been afflicting them of recent (the terror attacks and fire). We condemn in the strongest terms the terrorist attacks."
