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Presented and edited by Joseph Kizza
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 4:16 PM 

💬  What they said at investment forum

Head of the European Union Delegation to Uganda, Jan Sadek:

“The East Africa Trade and Investment Forum is an event that truly exemplifies the dynamics and ambition of Uganda's entreprenuers, innovators and visionaries.

The theme of this forum 'Deeper co-operation in trade, tourism and investment for shared global affluence' encapsulates, I think, our shared vision for a prosperous future. I firmly believe that initiatives like this are instrumental in mobilizing high levels of private investments and creating business opportunities ini Uganda.

Micro, small and medium enterprises are the backbone of Uganda's economy but they face a critical challenge of limited access to affordable financing. And it is within this context that business forums, by large, are a pivotal platform in jobs creation  and sustainable economic growth.

Our confidence in the success of this investment forum within the East African Community is grounded in the belief that it will fortify the common East African market.

And drawing inspiration, I think,  from the European Union's experience where the common market has really been the catalyst for economic growth and prosperity, we wholeheartedly support a regional approach also for East Africa.

Additionally, I would want to promote here the untapped potential in leveraging the EU Trade Preferential Treatment. A recent signing of the EU-EAC economic partnership agreement by Kenya opens the doors for other EAC countries for opportunities for increased exports.

We eagerly anticipate further dialogue with Uganda on this matter and perhaps also from other countries of the EAC region.

I really want to applaud Uganda, if I may, for maintaining a positive trade balance with the EU. We note that in 2022, Uganda exported for €800 million (sh3.3 trillion) and imported €700 million (sh2.9 trillion) from Europe. It is important to note that it is balanced trade, which I think is a very good foundation for further trade.

Uganda also secured its position as the top recipient of foreign direct investment in the EAC amounting to $3.2 billion (sh12.2 trillion). As one of the two top sources of foreign direct investment in Uganda, we of course see a lot of potential for business in your country.

In many ways, the EU is committed to supporting in Uganda entrepreneurs in reaching the EU market. The EU market is open for business. It is a lucrative market, there are no trade barriers, as you know, under the trade agreement Everything but Arms (EBA).
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 3:53 PM 

💬  What they said at investment forum

Deputy Secretary General of East African Community (EAC), Annette Ssemuwemba Mutaawe:

“On behalf of the East African Community, it is my pleasure to participate during this annual investment and trade forum but I also want to recognize all the investors that are present in the room that have travelled from far and wide to be here to listen to the investment opportunities that the EAC has to offer and specifically with those in Uganda.

Investment in Uganda is investment in the East African Community.  The treaty establishing the East African Community is categorical in EAC being a single investment destination and one that is attractive and conducive for business and the environment.

We have heard from various speakers, highlighting investment projects that are available within Uganda and the EAC and allow me to highlight some of the policies, the strategies that are have been put in place to ensure that the EAC is an attractive destination:

▪️  The EAC has been recognized by the African Union as the most integrated bloc. This has been possible because of the highest level of political ownership. The EAC prides itself in a very high level of political ownership process right from our summit, the council of ministers, cordination committees and the various technical committees that meet regularly to review the integration process but most importantly to ensure that the region maintains a stable political, economic and social environment that is conducive for business. We must pride ourselves in this and I would wish to commend His Excellency of the Republic of Uganda for leading these efforts.

▪️  The EAC prides itself in flourishing platforms for engagement with the private sector through, among others, the East African Business Council. Through the EAC, the private sector has voice. It is one of the regional economi communities where the private sector interfaces with the political leadership to express the challengess that they face and to ensure that these challenges are addressed in real time.

I would also want to highlight some of the policies — legal and regulatory frameworks — that exist and this is for the benefit of our investors.

The EAC is currently implementing a customs union. It's also implementing a common market. These are extremely important because we have a common external policy, a common external tariff. There are no tariffs when trading as a community, we have harmonized rules of origin, we have strategies for export promotion, free export zones but fundamentally, the cost and time it takes to do business in the EAC has beem substantially reduced.

We have about 13 one-stop border posts, a common customs system and infrastructure that ensures that it takes a matter of minutes to process goods through any customs border within the EAC.

I want to assure you that the EAC is open for business, that the secretariat stands ready to provide you with the support that you need to engage directly with the countries to ensure that you have access the technical resources that you need to be able to take the investment decisions.

At the secretariat, we provide information and data on trends through our EAC trade reports that is produced annually, it is broken down by sector. We also have strategies for promotion of regional value chains in some of the sectors such as pharmaceuticals, agribusiness, automotives, transport and logistics, etc.

We have harmonized standards for over 2,000 projects and these enjoy mutual recognition across the countries. So if you produce in Uganda, your goods can be sold in any of the markets within the EAC using the same standards; you don't have to change manufacturing processes to meet certain market.

There are regional projects that are in place for which investments are being made by the different countries to ensure connectivity of the region.

I wish to reiterate that the EAC is the best region for which your investment will deliver the best return. We invite you, and as a secretariat, we remain committed to be able to support you.
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 3:25 PM 

💬  What they said at investment forum

UNDP's Permanent Representative for Uganda, Elsie G. Attafuah:

“I believe our visitors are truly enjoying in the magical beauty of Uganda. The rains, even as late as January, supplementing the hours of warm sunshine, continue to confirm that Uganda is truly a Pearl of Africa.

The expansive greenery covering the hills of Kampala, the lush forests with towering and hugging canopies in the countryside, the freshwater bodies whose streams gently flow, the wetlands animated with aquatic life and the singing birds of a variety of bird species, and the unique animal species of which we have 70.8% of the world's mammals roaming the game parks, the mountain ranges, the welcoming people and the diversity of culture are proof that Uganda is indeed the Pearl of Africa.

We have a beautiful country with rich and unique biodiversity in ecosystems, snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains, pristine crater lakes and the world's longest river, The Nile and we do also have The Victoria."

Tourism is undoubtedly a major opportunity for big business here in Uganda. I urge you all to explore the beauty of Uganda, which is uniquely ours and we need to use.

On behalf of United Nations Development Programme and the entire United Nations family, I am delighted to join you all at this historic East Africa Trade and Investment Forum. The UNDP is honoured to co-convene this forum with the Government of Uganda and the Private Sector Foundation Uganda under the theme: 'Deeper co-operation in trade, tourism  and investment for shared global affluence'.

The theme of the forum is relevant within the current global and regional context, especially a world that grapples with the lingering effects of COVID-19 pandemic, wrestles with the effects of geopolitical tensions and contends with the planetary polycrisis.

These complex challenges cannot be dealt with one country alone or one region alone. They call for immediate coordinated collective action and that's why we are glad you are here today.

In this context,  the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit on the theme of 'Deeping cooperation for shared global affluence' and G77+China (Third South) Summit on the theme 'Leaving no one behind' in Uganda in the next six days is very timely.

These summits are powerful testament to the global South aspirations, breaking down trade barriers and enhancing economic integration.

These summits, and a forum like this one, will provide member states with an opportunity to deepen cooperation on trade on investment, climate change, health, resilience, peace and security, unlocking investments, trade and tourism opportunities or securing peace an security requires concerted efforts in alignment of public, private and regional and international partners.

This forum, therefore, offers a strategic platform for dialogue and critical action to harness opportunities such as East Africa's abundant youth population and natural resources to accelerate socio-economic transformation and drive inclusive development in East Africa and also in the African region as a whole.

This meeting is also especially important at a time when Africa is intensifying the drive for its rightful place in the regional and global markets by leveraging immence opportunities such as the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement and emerging technologies.

Trade and investment and tourism offer us a unique opportunity to generate employment, unlock market opportunities, capital and financing, necessary to expand economic growth opportunities, drive technological advancement and accelerate progress of the 2030 agenda of sustainable development, Agenda 2063 of the African Union.

Development experience across the world also shows that no country has ever achieved a rapid economic growth  and prosperity without trading and investing with other countries. Successful trade and investment relations again can lock opportunities for us all.

Africa has not yet captured enough of trade and investment benefit. In fact, Africa only trades among itself today. So there is a lot more we can do and therefore, this forum  provides that enabling framework for us to move forward.
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 2:48 PM 

On Tuesday, during the East Africa Trade and Investment Forum that is being held on the sidelines of the 19th NAM Summit in Kampala, a number of Ugandan government ministries, departments and agencies made presentations about bankable projects to invest in Uganda.

Presentations were from Uganda Wildlife Authority, Uganda Free Zones Authority, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, National Housing and Construction Company, etc.
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 2:34 PM 

 MUSEVENI'S MESSAGE AT INVESTMENT FORUM 

💬  President makes case for investing in Uganda

President Yoweri Museveni's message to investors at the East Africa Trade and Investment Forum has been delivered on his behalf by Vice-President Jessica Alupo. In the message, Museveni has made a passionate pitch to investors on why they should invest in Uganda.

Here it is, as read by the VP:

“On behalf of the Government of Uganda and on my own behalf, allow me to extend a warm welcome to our esteemed business community.

This summit demonstrates Uganda's commitment to private sector development and a renewed focus to increase the promotion of Uganda's abundant investment potential.

Additionally, it strengthens the partnership between the Uganda business community and foreign investors.

The business community and investors of the East African member states should seize this opportunity to collaborate with foreign investors in order to optimize value addition, expand partnerships that enhance technology, skills transfer, financing, promote standards and further deepen access to the global market.

Our philosophy is to provide a one-stop centre to investors across all government services, ease the government business environment and reduce the cost of business in Uganda. This service is available at Uganda Investment Authority. 

Today, we are discussing a very topical subject. The future of East African regional trade and investment relations with the NAM and G77+China members states.

Trade and investment are the bedrock for economic relations between economies, and thus, a strong foundation for mutual prosperity. It is these two that enable countries to create wealth and thus drive development.

In his thesis entitled The Wealth of Nations, [Scottish economist and moral philosopher] Adam Smith emphasized the importance of specialization and exchange.

Exchange is  mutually beneficial and this is widely demonstrated by the double thank-you at the marketplace. Often, when we conclude an exchange of goods and services, both parties say "thank you". That's symbolic of the mutual benefit, co-operation and interdependency that trade creates.

We genuinely thank each other for having made each of us better off. We must work harder to harness trade and investment among Africans and our close allies.

The African continent is full of natural resources which offer the potential of prosperity. With technology and innovation, these resources should be used to produce high-value goods that we are currently importing from the Western countries and the Far East. 

This would also increase intra-Africa trade  from 14.4% of total African exports to at least 50% , thus transforming the lives of our populations at a much faster pace.

With support from our comrades in the Non-Aligned member states, this transformation is within our reach. In the early 1990s, South-South trade surpassed North-North trade for the first time. And today, 35% of global trade is accounted for by the South-South merchandise trade and just 25% by North-North.

South-South trade has enabled technology transfer and therefore, transforming the manufacturing landscape in Africa.

Why invest in Uganda?

Coming home, Uganda's $50 billion (sh191 trillion) economy enjoys market linkages within the $305 billion East African Community economy, the fastest-growing and most diversified economical bloc on the African continent.

Secondly, Uganda is centrally located, providing access to the regional markets of the East African Community, the  Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) with over 55 member states.

The AfCFTA created a market of 1.4 billion consumers, making it an ideal partner for trade an investment.

Therefore, the agreements on the AfCFTA will increase trade among Africans by about 33%  and boost investment in Africa.

Although starting from a very low base, Uganda has maintained a relatively stable and robust economic growth rate over the years and at an average of about 6.2% in the past 37 years.

Uganda's GDP per capita now stands at $1,100 (sh4,200). That is fast-rising and thus promising a sustainable market for local production and fast-moving consumer goods and services, making the country highly rewarding for foreign private investment.

On account of prudent macro-economic management, Uganda continues to enjoy a stable macro-economic environment characterized by low inflation, now at 2.6%, stable currency and high sustained growth.

Uganda's economic outlook is very optimistic. This is mainly because of the consistent support to the private sector through supportive policies that create a business-friendly environment.

Uganda  is part of the East African Community which has a population of over 300 million with a combined GDP of $305 billion. This offers a large market for exports within the region and a growing middleclass.

Uganda is a liberal economy with open trade policies and a liberal investment regime and all sectors are open for investment. The country allows free movement of exports and imports and free movement of capital with unrestricted transfer of dividends.

High return on investment, for example, agribusinesses unlike many other jurisdictions is very profitable here, with an average return on investment of about 14%.

The current heavy investment in infrastructure is lowering the cost of doing business, especially in transportation and energy and creating business competitiveness.

Favourable middle term economic growth prospect of at least 7% per annum, supported by infrastructure development, skilled labour force and abundant natural rsources.

Uganda is a resource-rich country, which provides a signficant opportunity for exports and light manufacturing. This includes oil and gas, with commercial production scheduled to start in 2025, beryl, chromium, lead, lithium, silver, zinc, granite, feldspar, diatomite, manganese, diamond, uranium, iron ore, vermiculite, limestone, marble, gold, graphite, aluminius clay rich in rare earth elements, phosphate and iron.

In 2019, Uganda Government gave a graphite mining license to Blencowe Resources - UK. Graphite is a new material for making electric car batteries, thermal sheets and steel foundries....lubricants and friction materials, etc.

Uganda has a very generous incentive regime to ensure profitability for investment and business growth. This includes, among others, free land, service industrial parks and manufacturing zones available and cheap electricity to manufacturers, good transport network, tax holidays for those adding value to our raw materials and creating jobs plus other financial initiatives. These are detailed in our tax laws and investment call.

Uganda has gained competitiveness in recent years in a number of tradeable goods, including animal products such as beef and milk, agricultural products, especially coffee, tea, fish, sugar, fresh and processed food and industrial products such as cement, iron and steel products, light manufactured goods, etc.

Market access opportunities

Uganda has negotiated quota-free and tariff-free access to regional and global markets for investors to exploit. For instance, the following key markets are readily available:

- The East African Community with a population of over 300 million
-  The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) with a population of over 600 million
- The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) with a population of 1.4 billion people.

Uganda has an 'Everything But Arms' trade deal with the European Union. Uganda has trade deals with China and India and investors can access all these markets by domiciling in Uganda.

Uganda has an excellent working and living environment. It is rated as the third-most welcoming country in the world and the fourth-best country in the world to visit. 

Uganda offers the lowest cost of living with excellent housing. Its flexible labour regulations provides a key advantage for companies investing in labour-intensive operations.

Uganda is the most open economy to foreign direct investment. There are no restrictions on ownership of investments, movement of capital or foreign exchange. The World Bank's data indicates that on average, net foreign direct investment inflows have exceeded $1 billion each year. 

Regional integration and development

To expand regional trade and support regional development, Uganda is undertaking joint projects with DR Congo, and Tanzania on the oil pipeline, and implementing interventions to reduce transportation costs and improve the border infrastructure to facilitate trade and financial services across the region.

Security investment

Uganda is a beacon of security in the region and investors can be sure that they will be safe in Uganda and that their property is secure.

Uganda has enjoyed political stability for nearly four decades and this provides certainty to investors. This has enabled uninterrupted business growth for a very long time.

Therefore, the East Africa Trade and Investment Forum will be a platform for increased business engagement and a dialogue to enhance private sector investments and businesses in East Africa.

It will also be instrumental in enhancing regional development, trade diversification of exports and integrating African economies with the global economies.

It is our pledge that the Government of Uganda, through its agency, will honour our commitments made at the East African Community Trade and Investment Forum and we will continue to support its deliberations.

Finally, I would like to inform you that Uganda is a well-endowed country. I urge you to create time and come and enjoy a wide range of excellent, unique and unmatched beautiful natural features Uganda offers in terms of water bodies, birds, animals an many other flora and fauna. I thank you.

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 1:53 PM 

Museveni urges business collaborations

Vice-President Jessica Alupo delivers President Yoweri Museveni's message, who, as a "champion of integration", warmly welcomes all delegates to Uganda.

He says the trade and investment forum fuels Uganda's commitment to private sector development and renewed focus on Uganda's abundant investment potential.

Museveni urges domestic businesses to collaborate with foreign investors to, among other things, expand value addition, build skills, as well as further deepen access to the global market.

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 1:42 PM 

Warm invitation to explore Uganda's potentials

In his remarks, finance minister Matia Kasaija tells the trade and investment forum that Uganda's economy will grow at a rate of 6.4%, other factors remaining constant.

He goes on to extend "a warm invitation to all investors to explore the vast potentials that Uganda offers" and pledges Government and Uganda Investment Authority (UIA)'s commitment to providing the necessary support and an enabling environement for their businesses to thrive.

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 1:34 PM 

Present at the trade and investment forum include delegations from Egypt, Turkey, Qatar, Morocco, India, South Africa, as well as members of chambers of commerce and domestic investors.

The chief guest, Vice-President Alupo, will be delivering her remarks soon.

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 1:19 PM 

📸  Pictures from trade & investment forum

Take a look at pictures from the ongoing forum at Serena, taking by New Vision multimedia journalist Eddie Ssejjoba.

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 12:46 PM 

 BREAKING 

Chief guest arrives

Vice-President Jessica Alupo, the chief guest of the East Africa Trade and Investment Forum that is happening on the sidelines of the 19th NAM Summit, has arrived at the venue: Kampala Serena Hotel.

Finance minister Matia Kasaija, energy minister Matia Kasaija, Investment and privatization state minister Evelyn Anite and foreign affairs state minister John Mulimba are also present.

Members from the private sector as well as prospective investors are in the room too.

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 12:15 PM 

52,340 MW by 2040: 'We need this power'

Nankabirwa says her ministry's energy strategy is aimed at increasing Ugandans' energy from the current 1,781 MW to 52,340 MW by 2040. (One megawatt is one million watts).

"What that means to you as a person who would like to invest is that there will be opportunity for power generation because we have already committed ourselves — if we are to support the standard gauge railway, if we are to support industrialization, we need this power.

"So the 52,000 MW by 2040 will call for investment in power generation, in power transmission and in power distribution."

Nankabirwa says that in power generation, there are already projects lined up for support. One of them is the Kiba Hydroelectric Power Station, which she says "calls for about $58.4 million (sh223 billion) investment to generate 400 MW.

There are also the minigrids, "where we expect to generate power from solar", says the minister.

"We have been moving slow at giving agreements for people who have been coming here to invest in solar power generation because we have been having one problem of a grid stability study, where we were looking for money to do this study.

"That study is very critical. Without it you can't just put power on the national grid because otherwise you will face blackouts and problems.

"I want to take this opportunity to thank Mazda company from UAE [United Arab Emirates]. When we were there for COP28, I explained to them, because we have given them an opportunity to invest money and develop about 1,000 MW from eastern Uganda.

"But we were moving slow in giving them the agreement till I had to tell them the problem that we were having: the grid stability study is going to be funded by Mazda."

"With solar, we would like to see minigrids to support the many habitable islands in Uganda. Lake Victoria has 83 habitable islands."

"The minigrids will help us to facilitate the islands which are in darkness and as Government, we are obliged to take power to the people who are going to benefit from the parish development model (PDM)," says Nankabirwa.

"We want cold facilities, we want to add value to what people are producing, so there, we have opportunities. So, as investors, I would like to invite you to look at that."
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 12:04 PM 

Policies and legislation for investment in place

"Africa speaks to her opportunities to use the naural resources to develop. And Uganda has made sure that we have in place all the necessary policies and supporting legislations," Ugandan energy minister Ruth Nankabirwa tells the business and investment forum at Serena.

"So when you want to invest in Uganda, in whatever sector, I can speak with authority that the supporting legislations and policies are in place."

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 11:45 AM 

Uganda's investors protection portal

Speaking of investments, the Ugandan government created an online portal aimed at protecting prospective investors —  both foreign and domestic.

Named the Uganda Electronic Investors Protection Portal (EIPP) and launched by President Yoweri Museveni last December, the platform is managed by the Col Edith Nakalema-led State House Investors Protection Unit.

It is aimed at enabling investors to do due diligence before investing their money.

Here is all you need to know about this portal.

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 11:19 AM 

'Uganda ideal investment destination'

Speaking at the business and investment forum on the sidelines of the NAM Summit, Robert Mukiza, the director-general of Uganda Investment Authority, says Uganda's population and GDP are rising gradually, saying Uganda is "the ideal destination to invest".

"We have the most affordable labour and workforce, the most undeveloped natural resources, the greatest travel possibilities, and the friendliest country in the region for foreign direct investment [FDI]," he says.

Mukiza names potential investment opportunities as including;

▪️  Manufacturing
▪️  Value addition on agriculture
▪️  Mining
▪️  Pharmaceuticals
▪️  Infrastructure development
▪️  ICT, education and technology
▪️  Energy
▪️  Automated industries
▪️  Real estate
▪️  Tourism
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 11:04 AM 

'Uganda is pleasant, peaceful & prosperous'

The East Africa Trade and Investment Forum is themed 'Unlocking East Africa's potential on the global stage'.

Morrison Rwakakamba, the executive chairperson of the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA), says Uganda is "pleasant, peaceful and prosperous".

"It offers security, complete ownership of investment, and the freedom to repatriate profits, with government institutions like the UIA, providing round-the-clock help to investors," he says.

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 10:55 AM 

Investment: 'Qatar interested in Uganda, EA'

Sheikh Mohamed Bin Ahmed Twar Al Kuwari, the first vice-chairman of Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has delivered his remarks at the business forum going on at Kampala Serena Hotel on the sidelines of the 19th NAM Summit.

"Qatar and Uganda share strong and close relations, being members of several organizations, such as OIC [Organization of Islamic Co-operation] and the UN [United Nations]," he says.

"In terms of investment, Qatar is interested in strong opportunities in Uganda and the East African region."

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 10:27 AM 

'Innovators and risk-takers'

By the way, President Yoweri Museveni is expected to open the East Africa Trade and Investment Summit today.

Sarah Kagingo, the vice-chairperson of the Private Sector Foundation Uganda, has said the forum serves as a potent catalyst for economic transformation.

"As the private sector, we stand ready to be the engine of this progress. We are the builders, the innovators, the risk-takers who translate ideas into tangible prosperity. This forum provides us with an unparalled platform to showcase our capabilities," she said on the opening day of the summit.
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 10:08 AM 

On the sidelines...

Meanwhile, on the sidelines of the NAM Summit is the East Africa Trade and Investment Summit that is happening at Kampala Serena Hotel, having got under way on Monday and is scheduled to run until Thursday this week.

The business community under the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) expects to reap big from this summit that is themed around unlocking East Africa's potential on the global stage.

One of its aims is to create an environment where the business community among the NAM member countries can draw lessons from one another. 

From this particular meeting, Uganda hopes to attract investment deals worth $800 million (about sh3 trillion), basing on the quality of companies from the member countries that have already shown interest.

Read more on this story here.
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 9:57 AM 

📝 Day two programme

So what's happening today, you ask? Quite a lot, I should say.

▪️ To begin with, the delegates have been arriving at the Speke Resort Convention Centre in Munyonyo for the senior officials' meeting.

▪️ The officials will continue with their respective discussions on the Draft Final Outcome Document by the two committees: political committee and economic & social affairs committee.

These meetings, closed off to the media, will continue throughout the day.

▪️  At 5pm, there will be a plenary session of the senior officials' meeting for the adoption of the outcome documents for the ministerial meeting and closing ceremony.
    - The two committees of the senior officials' meeting will deliver their reports
    - The outcome documents will be endorsed
    - The senior officials' meeting report will be adopted
    - The provisional agenda and programme of work of the ministerial meeting will be adopted

▪️  The senior officials' meeting will be closed.
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 9:43 AM 

✈️ Manage your in-city travels well

Speaking of travels, Uganda is expecting the arrival of more officials for not only the ongoing meeting, but also for the G77+China (Third South) Summit, which Uganda will also be hosting immediately after the curtains have drawn on the NAM Summit.

That means Entebbe International Airport is seeing more than usual traffic as the delegates jet in.

Ministers and heads of state and government of different member countries are expected.
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 9:40 AM 

🚦  Manage your in-city travels well

The traffic Police have already worked out a detailed traffic management plan — which includes anticipated diversions — for this period of the ongoing summit.

Here it is in a summarized format: 👇🏽

The deputy Police spokesperson, Claire Nabakka, said the diversions and interruptions will be as and when the need arises — such as when a motorcade is expected.

▪️  Read the detailed traffic advisory here
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 9:33 AM 

🇺🇬  Uganda fact file

Here is a brief about the host of the 19th NAM Summit: Uganda.

▪️ The Republic of Uganda is a landlocked East African country that gained independence from the British in 1962, restoring administrative law.

▪️ On the Equator, Uganda is located between latitudes 4°12' N and 1°29' S and longitudes 29°34' E and 35°0' E.

▪️ Uganda is situated between the volcanic mountains at the eastern and western borders

▪️ Its highest mountain is the Margherita Peak (5,119m/16,795ft) in the Rwenzori Mountains.

▪️  Uganda is bordered by Kenya to the east, South Sudan to the north, DR Congo to the west, Rwanda to the southwest and Tanzania to the south.

▪️  Uganda's major lake is Lake Victoria — the largest tropical lake and second largest freshwater lake in the world. Other major lakes are Albert, Kyoga, Edward, George and Bisina

▪️  Uganda has numerous African ethnic groups and a small Asian community. The major ethnic groups are Baganda, Banyankole and Basoga.

▪️ The majority of Uganda's population resides in the central and southern regions, predominantly along lakes Victoria and Albert, with only 25% living in urban areas.

▪️  About 70% of the land in Uganda is used for farming.

|  Speaking of farming, Uganda's best farmers of 2023 were recognized and rewarded with cash prizes and a trip to the Netherlands. Take a look here.

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 9:28 AM 

Who has hosted NAM before?

Yugoslavia was the first country to host the NAM Summit.

Eighteen editions later, Uganda is the sixth African country to host the meeting, with Egypt, Zambia, Algeria, Zimbabwe and South Africa having done so already.

Interestingly, this is the earliest in any year (January) that the summit is being held. The majority of the meetings have been held in September (nine).

📸 In the picture below, President Yoweri Museveni delivers his speech at the plenary session of the 12th NAM Summit in Durban, South Africa on September 3, 1998.

Here is the list of the host nations of all the 19 NAM summits held in the last 60-plus years:

1st summit: Yugoslavia - September 1961
2nd summit: United Arab Republic (Egypt) - October 1964
3rd summit: Zambia - September 1970
4th summit: Algeria - September 1973
5th summit: Sri Lanka - August 1976
6th summit: Cuba - September 1979
7th summit: India - March 1983
8th summit: Zimbabwe - September 1986
9th summit: Yugoslavia - September 1989
10th summit: Indonesia - September 1992
11th summit: Colombia - October 1995
12th summit: South Africa - August 1998
13th summit: Malaysia - February 2003
14th summit: Cuba - September 2006
15th summit: Egypt - July 2009
16th summit: Iran - August 2012
17th summit: Venezuela - September 2016
18th summit: Azerbaijan - October 2019
19th summit: Uganda - January 2024
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 9:15 AM 

Uganda's chairmanship

Uganda is set to officially take over the chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) on Wednesday, where President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan is expected to hand over the mantle to President Yoweri Museveni.

Uganda will then lead the movement for the next three years (2024 until 2027), their position at the helm inspired by a vision for 'a stronger and united NAM that contributes to a better world for all'.

NAM is a forum that is not formally aligned with or against any major power bloc. After the United Nations (UN), it is the largest grouping of states worldwide.

As of October 2019, the organization consists of 120 member states, including the non-UN member state of Palestine, as well as 17 other observer countries and 10 observer organizations.

Uganda joined the NAM during the second summit in Cairo, Egypt in October 1964 — three years since the founding of the movement and two years since Uganda attained independence from colonial rule.

📸 In the picture below, Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser gives the inaugural speech at the opening session of the 2nd NAM Summit in Cairo on October 5, 1964.

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 9:05 AM 

NAM senior officials meet

On day one (Monday), not long after the plenary session, foreign affairs PS Vincent Bagiire Waiswa briefed the media about what had just transpired during the opening session and what to expect.

This briefing happened inside the media centre, which has been set up some few hundred feet away from the convention centre.

▪️  The 19th NAM Summit kicked off with the senior officials' preparatory meeting. The officials met on Monday and are continuing with that today (Tuesday).

▪️  The summit opened with an address by the Azerbaijan's foreign affairs minister, with Uganda's foreign affairs minister Gen (rtd) Jeje Odongo also delivering his opening address.

▪️  Uganda then took over as chair of the NAM at the senior officials level, with Amb. Adonia Ayebare unanimously elected the chairman.

▪️  When the plenary session ended, the delegates shifted gears and moved on to the breakaway sessions.

▪️  The session on political affairs is chaired by Amb. Adonia Ayebare since Uganda has now taken over the NAM chairmanship at the level of senior officials.

▪️  The session on economic and social affairs is chaired by Amb. John Leonard Mugerwa.

▪️  The outcomes of the engagements will be communicated later.
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 9:00 AM 

🌤️ Rise and shine!

Hello and good morning from a warm morning here in Uganda's capital. It is 9am in Kampala, 10am in Baku and 1am in Havana.

Welcome back to New Vision's continuing text commentary of the ongoing 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit happening in Kampala.

The summit hit the ground running on Monday (January 15) inside the exquisite Speke Resort Convention Centre in Munyonyo, with as many as 93 countries represented at the opening session, according to the permanent secretary of Uganda's foreign affairs ministry, Vincent Bagiire Waiswa.

Uganda's foreign affairs minister Gen. (rtd) Jeje Odongo opened the summit, paving the way for a plenary session chaired by Uganda's Permanent Representative to the UN, Amb. Adonia Ayebare as the newly elected chairman of the NAM senior officials' preparatory meeting.

Missed out on that? Do some catch-up here.