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KAMPALA - Uganda has the opportunity to reap numerous benefits following its successful hosting of two global summits, namely the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and G77+China, and the Commonwealth Speaker Conference.

The State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Okello Oryem says the negativities previously stated against the country by various detractors have been dispelled by the success of the various meetings.

In an interview with the New Vision shortly after the conclusion of the G77+China summit, Oryem emphasized that Uganda’s negative reputation as a dangerous place for tourists and its human rights abuses have been dispelled.

Uganda hosted NAM/G77+China between January 15 to 22, 2024 at the Commonwealth Resort Convention in Munyonyo.

He highlighted the presence of the international press and their ability to showcase the true beauty of Uganda, as well as the country's capacity to host high-profile events and accommodate heads of state and delegations from over 120 countries.

Oryem confidently stated that this is a clear indication that Uganda is safe and ready for business, making it a secure destination for both tourism and investment.

Strengthening Africa’s independence

He underscored the importance of NAM by stating that Africa desires to assume control of its future through this NAM.

Oryem said the NAM members seek recognition and respect on the global stage.
He stressed that as African members of NAM, they are weary of being lectured, bullied, and intimidated.

Uganda’s ambassador and permanent representative to the UN, Adonia Ayebare (R), and foreign affairs minister Gen. Abubakar Jeje Odongo (L).

He stressed that their ultimate goal is to secure a seat at the table and be treated as equals under the United Nations (UN) Charter, similar to their Western counterparts.

“As Africans, we are determined to make our own decisions; when they are right we take the credit and if they are wrong we accept the mistakes. But now they threaten and intimidate us and whenever there are mistakes they run away and leave us with the mistakes based on their advice,” he noted.

He emphasized the urgent need for the expansion of the UN Security Council to include nations from Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

He wondered why only a selected few countries have membership in the Security Council.

“Every member should have a representation in the Security Council,” he added. 
The Deputy Prime Minister of Namibia, who also serves as the Foreign Affairs Minister, Nandi-Ndaitwah Netumbo, emphasized the importance of member states persistently advocating for multilateralism rather than unilateralism in the management of global affairs.

“Developed nations should desist from taking unilateral decisions like imposing sanctions and suspending nations from multilateral institutions. We must continue to strengthen, and advocate for consistent application of the UN Charter which recognizes sovereignty, equality for all member states, and respect of territorial integrity,” she added.

She emphasized the significance of the NAM meeting’s outcome in advancing the movement’s position at the UN summit scheduled for September this year.

President Yoweri Museveni, in his capacity as the newly appointed chairman of the NAM/G77+China, emphasized the significance of unity among member states.

She highlighted the continued relevance of NAM in the contemporary world, underscoring the need for nations to enhance cooperation in order to tackle the primary challenges confronting them.

Gen. Jejje Odong, Uganda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, emphasized that the current global landscape is increasingly unstable, leading to ongoing challenges in redefining power dynamics.

“Our issues as I mentioned are in terms of justice in power distribution and justice on two issues; the question of development and humanity,” he added.

He explained that quite a number of the rich northern countries are of the view of unilateralism.

“If you recollect after the collapse of the Berlin war in 1989 which symptomized the end of the Cold War, the idea was a new world order, the new world order in effect was a world dominated by western ideologies. Today, as we speak there is a challenge on that and this is why we are talking about multilateralism because the new world order based on western thinking, was dominated by Western ideologies,” he added.

“Was that just? My answer is no. Therefore, we in the NAM are now seeking the question of different powers in a multilateralism arrangement calling on the international system for a shape in the management of international affairs,” he added.

Russia’s committed support

During the Heads of delegation plenary session of the 19th NAM summit in Kampala, Sergey Vershinin, the Head of the Russia delegation and the Deputy Foreign Minister, conveyed a message from Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In his message, Putin emphasized the NAM's substantial influence in the global arena, attributing it to the representative structure’s vital role in promoting a more just, democratic, and multipolar system of international relations.

“The general attitude of the association’s participants to promote a constructive dialogue between members of the world community based on universally recognized and binding norms of international law is emphasized,” he added.

Sergey Vershinin (R), the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation interacts with the Singapore delegation during a plenary session at the 19th Non-Aligned Movement summit at Sperek Resort Convention Centre in Kampala on 20 January 20, 2024. Credit: Hajarah Nalwadda)

Vershinin further emphasized the organic developments that lead to true multipolarity, including the rise of new influential entities among developing nations, which rightfully seek a more prominent position in global matters.

He assured Russia's commitment to actively engage with NAM member states, including within the UN framework, as a trusted observer.

According to Russian Foreign Ministry statement, " the Group of Friends in Defense of the Charter of the United Nations adopted a declaration in which its member states called for an end to the bloodshed in the Gaza Strip and for creating a fair multipolar world order during the group’s fifth meeting held on the sidelines of the 19th Non-Aligned Movement summit in Kampala."

The Group of Friends in Defense of the Charter of the United Nations includes 19 nations: Algeria, Angola, Belarus, Bolivia, Venezuela, Zimbabwe, Iran, Cambodia, Cuba, Laos, Nicaragua, China, North Korea, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Syria, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Palestine and Russia.

Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian Ambassador to the United Nations, emphasized the urgent need for an end to the conflict in Gaza in order to facilitate a thorough investigation into the alleged genocide.

“All these issues were before the summit and we are confident that NAM will not leave the people of Palestine behind. Nobody should be left behind, and definitely not Palestine,” he added.

“The movement and the leadership of Uganda have our complete trust, as they will be leading the way. We request everyone in NAM to stand united against the aggression,” he noted.

President Yoweri Museveni, in his capacity as the newly appointed chairman of the NAM/G77+China, emphasized the significance of unity among member states.

He highlighted the crucial role of collaboration in fostering economic prosperity for their citizens.

Additionally, he recognized the necessity of diplomatic endeavors to resolve conflicts arising from geopolitical influences, as they pose obstacles to achieving the ambitious objectives set forth.