Museveni expresses condolences to Garang’s widow

The New vision, Kampala.

Aug 22, 2005 (Kampala) — President Yoweri Museveni on Friday met the widow and children of the late First Vice-President of Sudan, Dr. John Garang, at State House, Nakasero.

Rebecca Nyandeng Garang, accompanied by her five sons and two daughters, expressed solidarity with the people of Uganda as well as sympathies on the mutual loss of Museveni’s long-time friend, her husband.

Garang, the head of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) died in a July 30 helicopter crash with 12 others. He was flying to Sudan after meeting Museveni as well as United States’ and European Union diplomats in Kampala.

“Rebecca is here to show her continued support for, solidarity with and confidence in the Ugandan government,” said Riak Jeroboam, the SPLA/SPLM representative in Uganda.

Garang’s successor Salva Kiir is also due to visit Uganda soon.

During the meeting, Museveni expressed his deepest condolences to Rebecca upon the death of her dear husband.

Museveni assured her that the Government and people of Uganda would continue to stand by her and the people of southern Sudan as it did when her late husband was leading them.

Museveni encouraged Garang’s children to stand firm and emulate their late father, who he said was a principled man and a great pan-Africanist.

Emmy Allio And Agencies