Uganda marks 79th UN anniversary

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Thursday (October 24, 2024), marked 79 years since the United Nations was founded (October 24, 1945) to maintain international peace and security, enhance co-operation among nations in resolving international crises and promote the protection of human rights.

For Uganda, it also represents 62 years of partnership with the UN since the country gained independence in 1962.

Uganda joined the global celebrations, reflecting on the benefits of being part of an international body that has consistently worked to address global challenges.

The event at the MTN Omondi Stadium in Kampala city was marked by sporting activities featuring teams from the Parliament of Uganda, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and the UN.

Tag of war game being played by some of UN team. (Courtesy photo)

In a statement, UN secretary general António Guterres emphasized UN's role in fostering peace, development, and humanitarian support.

“The UN has been a place for solutions that ease tensions, build bridges and forge peace," Guterres said.

"In today's troubled world, hope is not enough. Hope requires determined action and multilateral solutions for peace, shared prosperity, and a thriving planet," he posted on X, formerly Twitter.

UN secretary general António Guterres emphasized UN's role in fostering peace, development, and humanitarian support. (File photo/AFP)

This year’s UN Day theme: Good Health and Well-being, aligns with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, which aims to ensuring healthy lives and promote well-being.

Sanusi Tejan Savage, Chief of Mission for the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in Uganda, highlighted the relevance of this theme.

"This year's focus on health and well-being aligns perfectly with our goal to ensure healthy lives for all Ugandans," he said.

He further emphasized how the event's sports activities showcased the importance of physical fitness in combating lifestyle diseases.

Strong partnership with Uganda

Over the years, the UN has been a critical partner in Uganda’s development, contributing to various sectors such as governance, health, education, and agriculture.

According to the UN Resident Co-ordinator’s Office in Uganda, there are 29 UN entities providing both developmental and humanitarian support across the country.

In the first two years of the UN’s Co-operation Framework (2021-2022), the UN country team contributed over $602m (about sh2.27 trillion) to Uganda’s development efforts.

In governance and human rights, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) have been instrumental in strengthening Uganda's institutional frameworks.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has made substantial contributions to the country’s healthcare system, while UNESCO and UNICEF have bolstered educational initiatives.

The agriculture sector has also benefited significantly from the support of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP), while the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has provided crucial humanitarian aid, especially for refugees.

The UN's presence in Uganda spans 25 districts, with over 3,000 staff members dedicated to implementing these initiatives.

"We acknowledge the immense role played by various UN agencies such as FAO, WHO, and IOM," said Asuman Basalirwa, a member of Uganda's Parliament. "Their support spans health, agriculture, migration, and other vital sectors."

As the UN marks 79 years of service, he said its partnership with Uganda continues to grow, contributing to the country's development and addressing the challenges it faces.