Speaker Among rallies AALCO member states on 'solidarity'

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📍  Speke Resort Munyonyo, Kampala
🗓️ September 8-12
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The Speaker of Uganda's Parliament, Anita Annet Among, has rallied the member states of the Asian-African Legal Consultative Organisation (AALCO) to "reaffirm our solidarity and strengthen our collective voice".

Speaking as chief guest, Among made the call while opening the 63rd Annual Session of AALCO in Uganda's capital Kampala on Monday (September 8) — the five-day conference taking place at Speke Resort Munyonyo on the shores of Lake Victoria.

The conference, which Uganda is hosting for a second time, having first done so in 1993, has drawn delegates from the 49 AALCO member states, as well as representatives from international organizations and legal experts from Asia and Africa.

Attending the 63rd Session is outgoing AALCO secretary-general Dr Kamalinne Pinitpuvadol from the Kingdom of Thailand. The organisation's outgoing president, Suphanvasa Chotikajan Tang, is represented by Songchai Chaipatiyut.

Uganda's justice minister Norbert Mao, Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka and foreign affairs minister Gen. Jeje Odongo, among several other Ugandan officials, are also attending the conference.

"We gather not just as representatives of nations, but as custodians of a shared vision rooted in solidarity, equality, and the transformative power of international law," Speaker Among told the delegates.

"We are deeply grateful for this opportunity to host this session and we wish to take this moment to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the organisation’s objectives as a member state of the AALCO."

The Annual Session is the AALCO’s highest decision-making body. 

"It is in annual sessions that we, member states  shape ideas, forge consensus, and chart the course for our collective efforts for the year ahead," added the Speaker.

"This, therefore, is not an ordinary meeting; but rather a display of our shared vision of the AALCO, our collective aspirations, and our unwavering commitment to strengthening the bonds between Asia and Africa through dialogue, co-operation, and the rule of law as well as dedication to the achievement of the objectives of the AALCO."

Established nearly seven decades ago following the historic Bandung Conference of 1955, AALCO is an intergovernmental organization that serves as an advisory body to its member states on matters of international law.

It seeks to articulate the shared legal perspectives of Asia and Africa on the global stage.

The organisation promotes international legal co-operation and provides a platform for member states to discuss and influence developments in international law, such as the law of the sea, climate change, cyber security, international trade law, peace and security, and dispute resolution mechanisms.

Its permanent headquarters is in New Delhi, India. It has six regional arbitration centres, which are located in Cairo (Egypt), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Lagos (Nigeria), Tehran (Iran), Nairobi (Kenya) and Hong Kong (People's Republic of China).

AALCO has grown to include 49 member states, a growth that Among said "reflects the trust and relevance AALCO commands as a platform for legal co-operation".

"The Bandung Spirit continues to inspire us. It reminds us that our continents, once marginalized in the global legal order, have the power to shape international law to reflect our values, aspirations and realities."

From the law of the sea to human rights,  trade and investment to environmental protection, AALCO has been instrumental in ensuring that Asia and Africa are not just participants but leaders in global legal discourse. 

The Speaker said AALCO continues to serve as a forum for deliberation on legal matters of common concern for member states, as well as a bridge to communicate their collective positions to the United Nations, the International Law Commission, and other global institutions. 

"I must commend the secretary general for keeping cordial relationships with these international organisations, and actively participating in their various activities. It is through this that AALCO is able to keep a significant presence at the international scene, and thus, her presence and contributions cannot be ignored."

The Ugandan Speaker also spoke of the unprecedented global challenges, including climate change that threatens ecosystems and livelihoods.

"Conflicts and insecurity test our stability. Economic inequalities strain our societies. Rapid technological advancements, from artificial intelligence to cyber security, raise complex legal questions that demand our attention," she said.

"In this context, AALCO’s role is more critical than ever. AALCO is uniquely positioned to ensure that Asia and Africa do not merely react to global legal developments but actively shape them to reflect our priorities , notably sustainable development, sovereignty, and justice. 

"Today, AALCO’s agenda remains as relevant as ever, tackling issues such as climate change, the protection of migrant workers, the fight against transnational crime, and the legal implications of emerging technologies. By fostering dialogue and coordinating positions, AALCO ensures that our continents’ perspectives are not only heard but integrated into the global legal order."

Among rallied delegates to seize the opportunity presented by this latest annual session to strengthen AALCO’s impact, through the member states, on the continents of Africa and Asia. 

"I would like to urge you that this session is not just about reviewing past progress but about charting a bold path forward. Your stay in  Munyonyo in the next five days should be packed with resolutions that inspire action, policies that foster unity, and legal frameworks that stand the test of time," she said.

"Our shared history of struggle, resilience, and triumph—binds us together. Our shared future of peace, prosperity, and justice depends on our ability to work as one. Let us, therefore, renew the Bandung Spirit, reaffirm our solidarity, and strengthen our collective voice." 
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📸   EARLIER PICTURES 

Guests arriving at the venue for the conference were treated to a warm reception featuring a smorgasbord of delightful entertainment: the dutiful sounds of drums and graceful dance strokes all part of the treat.

Colour. Beauty.

Enthusiasm. Passion. Talent.

Uganda's Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao, surely enjoyed the sights and sounds he arrived to.

Inside, the stage was well and truly set, as the organisers applied the very last of the finishing touches to a beautifully-laid platform for what will be a busy week of engagements.

And in twos and threes and in groups, delegates began making appearance at the venue to have a feel of what will be the centrestage of their discussions while in the Pearl of Africa.

'Opportunities for Uganda'

"Uganda's selection as host reflects growing international recognition of our commitment to multilateral diplomacy, international law, and South-South co-operation," said AG Kiryowa Kiwanuka in the buildup to this conference.

So what is in it for Uganda?

Kiwanuka highlighted the key benefits of hosting this key AALCO event as including boosting the country's global legal profile, promoting legal and policy expertise as well as drawing economic and tourism opportunities.

"Uganda will take a leadership role in shaping international legal dialogue and influence the development of laws that affect global trade, security, and diplomacy from an African perspective," he said.

"The conference will provide opportunities for Ugandan legal professionals, scholars, policymakers, and institutions to engage with global legal trends, building local capacity and broadening perspectives in international law."

The attorney general said the arrival of international delegates will increase hotel occupancy, tourism activity, and local business engagement, which he said will "bring a much-needed boost to the hospitality and service sectors".

"Hosting the conference at Speke Resort Munyonyo, a world-class venue, demonstrates Uganda's capacity to successfully organize high-level international events and highlights the country's potential as a hub for diplomatic engagement," added Kiwanuka.

He also said that as the current chair of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), Uganda is strategically placed to champion issues relevant to developing countries. 

"AALCO offers a complementary platform for furthering regional integration, peace, investment, and legal harmonization."

In a clarion call, Kiwanuka expressed Uganda's commitment to ensuring the success of this important session.

He also urged all Ugandans — particularly those in the legal fraternity, academia, government institutions, and the private sector — to actively engage with and support this event.

"This is not only a legal conference but a national opportunity to strengthen our voice in the global arena and promote Uganda’s long-standing commitment to peace, international cooperation, and sustainable development."