Queen Elizabeth II finally revisits Uganda

KAMPALA, Uganda, Nov. 22 (UPI) -- Queen Elizabeth II arrived in Uganda this week to cheering crowds, the first time the British monarch had visited the East African country in 53 years.

The Times of London said Thursday that cheering crowds carrying green leaves cheered for the British queen as she arrived this week from Malta, marking her first visit to Uganda since 1954.

After arriving by plane on Wednesday, Queen Elizabeth visited with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and members of his Cabinet, before her convoy traveled through the capital of Kampala.

The queen is in Uganda to take part in a state summit and her visit prompted a costly cleanup effort of the capital and a temporary restriction of citizens' activities on the streets of Kampala.

The British newspaper said that despite those inconveniences, it appeared that most Ugandan citizens relished the chance to have the head of the royal family in their midst.

"It's a real pleasure," traffic policeman John Ojeda said of the queen's visit. "She's brought us a lot of joy. Her coming here brings the message that there is peace in Uganda now."