News / Africa
Frail Mugabe embarrasses himself in Uganda, again
14 May 2016 at 14:50hrs | Views
President Robert Mugabe's recent Uganda trip will be remembered for just one thing - arriving late for functions.
On Friday, Bulawayo24.com revealed that Mugabe (92) showed up at President Yoweri Museveni swearing-in ceremony venue when proceedings were well under-way on Thursday morning.
However, it has since emerged that on Wednesday night he pulled the same act.
Museveni hosted a dinner for his guests.
According to Uganda's Monitor newspaper Mugabe showed up an hour late.
Museveni, arrived at the dinner at 9.34PM only for Mugabe to arrive at 10.30PM "when all the formalities were done, and as the 16 heads of state and other invited dignitaries were settling to a sumptuous dinner."
"When Mugabe, 92, walked in so gently a few minutes after the opening prayer, everyone sprung to their feet and cheered," reports indicate.
Added the Monitor: "Some thought Zimbabwe's president Robert Mugabe, one of the world's oldest and longest-serving heads of state, was tired and needed to rest and for that reason, had opted to skip a grandiose State dinner ahead of President Museveni's swearing in yesterday.
"Others, particularly those who had no idea about his arrival, thought ‘Uncle Bob' was not in the country yet. But when all the formalities were done, and as the 16 heads of state and other invited dignitaries were settling to a sumptuous dinner at about 10:30PM, the 92-year-old Zimbabwean leader arrived to the ululation of the guests and a standing ovation from his colleagues.
"The guests cheered President Mugabe as he stole the show, stretching his right hand to greet President Museveni, the host of the sumptuous dinner at Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort Hotel on Wednesday. Mr Mugabe's politeness was warm and engaging as he mingled with other African leaders.
"He looked frail on account of his advanced age, yet strong-willed, shaking hands with Mr Museveni and other presidents before taking a seat at the front dinner tables reserved for special guests."
On Friday, Bulawayo24.com revealed that Mugabe (92) showed up at President Yoweri Museveni swearing-in ceremony venue when proceedings were well under-way on Thursday morning.
However, it has since emerged that on Wednesday night he pulled the same act.
Museveni hosted a dinner for his guests.
According to Uganda's Monitor newspaper Mugabe showed up an hour late.
"When Mugabe, 92, walked in so gently a few minutes after the opening prayer, everyone sprung to their feet and cheered," reports indicate.
Added the Monitor: "Some thought Zimbabwe's president Robert Mugabe, one of the world's oldest and longest-serving heads of state, was tired and needed to rest and for that reason, had opted to skip a grandiose State dinner ahead of President Museveni's swearing in yesterday.
"Others, particularly those who had no idea about his arrival, thought ‘Uncle Bob' was not in the country yet. But when all the formalities were done, and as the 16 heads of state and other invited dignitaries were settling to a sumptuous dinner at about 10:30PM, the 92-year-old Zimbabwean leader arrived to the ululation of the guests and a standing ovation from his colleagues.
"The guests cheered President Mugabe as he stole the show, stretching his right hand to greet President Museveni, the host of the sumptuous dinner at Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort Hotel on Wednesday. Mr Mugabe's politeness was warm and engaging as he mingled with other African leaders.
"He looked frail on account of his advanced age, yet strong-willed, shaking hands with Mr Museveni and other presidents before taking a seat at the front dinner tables reserved for special guests."
Source - Monitor
