2024 CHOGM: VP Alupo, Samoa Prime Minister holds talks

The Vice President and Woman MP for Katakwi district, Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo, has held talks with the Prime Minister of Samoa Fiame Naomi on the sidelines of the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Apia Samoa. 

The vice president assured Naomi that there is a greater scope for strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries, especially in agriculture/agro-processing, tourism, and investment.

"We need to have exchange visits, share experiences and identify specific areas for cooperation," Alupo said.

On behalf of President Yoweri Museveni, Alupo congratulated the prime minister and the people of Samoa on the historic holding of CHOGM in such a beautiful city of Apia and the warm hospitality accorded to the Uganda delegation.

During the engagement on Thursday, October 24, the VP further noted that the theme they chose for this CHOGM, "One resilient common future: transforming our commonwealth" is the most prominent.

Alupo, according to a media package from her Press Unit, explained that their meeting takes place at a time of daunting global challenges but also unprecedented opportunities for transformation.

The vice president added that as the CHOGM meeting starts, she's looking forward to discussions during their executive sessions and retreat on the key priorities as they seek to build resilient economies for recovery and prosperity, address climate change, foster democratic institutions and improve livelihoods.

Samoa's prime minister Naomi assured Vice President Alupo that Samoa is very ready and willing to partner with Uganda in fields like technology, agriculture investment and tourism among other key sectors.

Majesty King Charles III of the United Kingdom is expected to grace the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting on October 25 as head of the Commonwealth and other heads of government.

The Summit will also be addressed by the Prime Minister of Samoa  Naomi Mata’afa, and the outgoing Secretary-General Rt Hon Patricia Scotland.

During the meeting, members are expected to assess the progress made since the last CHOGM in Rwanda and focus on key priorities including resilient economies for recovery and prosperity, addressing climate change,  democratic institutions and improving livelihoods.

However, there have been several ongoing Women, Youth, Business and   People's Forums and other side events, bringing together about 5,000 delegates from 56 member countries which have a combined population of 2.7 billion people.

The meeting will also discuss how to enhance intra-commonwealth trade, tourism and investment. 

The Heads of Government are also going to select a new Commonwealth Secretary-General, from candidates of Lesotho, Ghana and Gambia.

The official opening is slated for 25 October followed by Executive Sessions and a retreat on 26 October, during which Vice President Alupo and head of Uganda's delegation will deliver President Museveni's message to the meeting.

At the meeting, the head of government leaders will also adopt a Communique, a Commonwealth Ocean Declaration and a Declaration on Reparatory Justice.

Earlier today (Thursday, October 24), Queen Camilla of the United Kingdom addressed a women's forum on the sidelines of the CHOGM.

She advocated for Women and Girls in the Commonwealth in a high-level meeting attended by Vice President Alupo, the head of Uganda's delegation in Samoa. 

Uganda's delegation also comprises of Minister Okello Oryem, Ambassador Dorothy Hyuha, Uganda's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom of Great Britain Nimisha Madhvan and Ambassador John L Mugerwa.