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Uganda: Mbire Hosts Libyan Leader Gadaffi
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New Vision (Kampala)
22 March 2008
Posted to the web 24 March 2008
Elizabeth Agiro
Kampala
THE Libyan leader, Col. Muammar Gadaffi, opted to stay at the home of Uganda's richest man instead of the plush presidential suites which were spruced up for the Commonwealth summit last year.
Sources said Gadaffi decided to stay at Charles Mbire's home in Nakasero during his four-day visit to Uganda last week due to its green lush setting and better security. The other heads of state he invited to the opening of the Gadaffi National Mosque were booked into various hotels in the city.
A presidential suite at Munyonyo costs $650 (over sh1m) a night, but Gadaffi did not part with a coin at Mbire's.
This is the third time Mbire, who owns 5% shares in the telecommunication giant, MTN, has hosted Gadaffi. When contacted, Mbire said: "Friends are always welcome," and declined to comment further.
A source said Mbire and Gadaffi's friendship dates a long way back. Mbire reportedly describes Gadaffi as a "very free man, a humane gentleman and a Pan-Africanist who cares for the common man".
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Asked under what arrangements Gadaffi stayed at Mbire's home, the Permanent Secretary in Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador James Mugume, explained that countries' embassies decide where their heads of state stay.
Gadaffi is said to have hosted all the visiting presidents to a dinner at Mbire's home. He also shocked staff at Serena Hotel when he walked in on Sunday night, had a meal and paid. Gadaffi did the same on Monday.
Mbire is known to have access to a good number of African heads of state. His influence, however, is not limited to politicians and businesspersons. Only last year, when US artiste sisters Brick and Lace were in town, Mbire reportedly dished out $20,000 (sh35m) for the duo to perform for his daughters privately.
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