VP Ssekandi in Australia for CHOGM summit

VICE- President Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi is in Perth Australia for the 54-nation Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

Uganda hosted the summit in November 2007.

Queen Elizabeth II has opened the summit on Friday where issues from human rights to succession to the British throne are being discussed.

Leaders were greeted with a traditional indigenous cleansing ceremony at the Perth Convention Centre by elders from the Noongar Aboriginal tribe before dance performances amid tight security.

The monarch said she was delighted to be in Perth “for a meeting that promises to bring new vibrancy to the Commonwealth”.

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, the host, told the gathering that it was vital for the Commonwealth bloc to move with the times.

“The world has changed, and a wise institution changes too,” she said.

“So as the Commonwealth journeys towards its centenary, it is time for renewal. To answer the question posed of our organisation – how do we best pursue our timeless values in a world of change?

“Let us make CHOGM 2011 memorable for answering this question. Memorable for being the meeting that gave the Commonwealth the direction it needed at a time of global uncertainty and risk.”

Outside the summit venue, thousands of police were on city streets with the centre of Perth in virtual lockdown to deter potential terrorist threats and limit any protests by those wanting to emulate the global “Occupy” movement.

About 1,500 people gathered nearby were planning to march in solidarity with the Occupy movement against corporate greed and the growing rich-poor divide.

The CHOGM Action Network is also concerned about alleged human rights violations in Commonwealth countries, accusing Sri Lankan President Mahendra Rajapakse and Rwandan leader Paul Kagame of war crimes.

Police have been given special powers to deal with any protests and can search people at will and ban known activists from entering special zones.