Butagira the man behind Uganda’s election to the UN Security Council
Jan 04, 2009
HE possessed exemplary qualities right from his school days. In Ntare School, he was captain of Speke House. Apart from being a bright student, Francis Butagira was an excellent leader who listened and discussed issues before taking decisions. Students ad
By Eric Kashambuzi
HE possessed exemplary qualities right from his school days. In Ntare School, he was captain of Speke House. Apart from being a bright student, Francis Butagira was an excellent leader who listened and discussed issues before taking decisions. Students admired his charisma and exemplary qualities.
Such was his influence that many fellow students thought he would make a good lawyer. Some of them persuaded him to study law and he went on to do so.
Thus began the career of a man who many years later would become Uganda’s ambassador to the United Nations(UN).
Butagira, ambassador extraordinary and permanent representative of Uganda to the United Nations presented his credentials to the UN Secretary-General on July 18, 2003.
He arrived at a critical time when the UN was preparing for a review of the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals.
He quickly established formal and informal networks and learned how the complex bureaucracy of the UN works through Africa, least developed, land-locked, G77 and other groups.
He identified Uganda’s interests and ensured that his country’s voice was heard through various channels including Ugandans’ participation in discussions to share their country’s experience particularly in Universal Primary Education and HIV/AIDS.
Butagira prepared well and delivered substantive statements in the General Assembly, Security Council and Economic and Social Council.
His exemplary performance was quickly noticed and he was sought after by many delegations when consultations got tough. His legal background, experience as a parliamentarian and above all as Speaker of Parliament served him extremely well.
He was elected to the vice presidency of the General Assembly which is charged with managing the sessions of that body; chairman of the Third Committee, a subsidiary organ of the General Assembly, responsible for social, cultural, humanitarian and human rights affairs.
As chairman, he broke the record by completing work earlier than any previous sessions because he resolved complex issues quickly.
Butagira also served as chairman of the Africa Group which rotates monthly among African ambassadors. Because of his admirable style of leadership, he was often asked by his fellow ambassadors to continue even when his term had ended while they were still discussing important matters where continuity was essential.
His outstanding leadership was also exhibited when he chaired complex meetings of the Organisation of Islamic Conference and the Commonwealth.
Above all, his investment in quiet diplomacy paid off when he negotiated the election of Uganda to the Security Council.
He started well in advance and by the time voting was up, Uganda’s seat on that prestigious body was almost guaranteed. One hundred and eighty four member states voted for Uganda.
His wife Lydia Butagira was besides him at critical moments when he presented his credentials and when the United Nations voted Uganda into the Security Council.
Butagira graduated in law from the University of East Africa in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. He earned a Masters Degree in Law at Harvard University, one of the premier institutions in the world.
Apart from practicing law, Butagira served as Member of Parliament, speaker of Uganda’s National Assembly and ambassador to Ethiopia before coming to the UN.
His rich expertise and experience prepared him well for a successful career at the UN where he has interacted effectively with 191 fellow ambassadors and representatives of the U N organs and non-governmental organizations.
The writer is a consultant with International organisations.
HE possessed exemplary qualities right from his school days. In Ntare School, he was captain of Speke House. Apart from being a bright student, Francis Butagira was an excellent leader who listened and discussed issues before taking decisions. Students admired his charisma and exemplary qualities.
Such was his influence that many fellow students thought he would make a good lawyer. Some of them persuaded him to study law and he went on to do so.
Thus began the career of a man who many years later would become Uganda’s ambassador to the United Nations(UN).
Butagira, ambassador extraordinary and permanent representative of Uganda to the United Nations presented his credentials to the UN Secretary-General on July 18, 2003.
He arrived at a critical time when the UN was preparing for a review of the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals.
He quickly established formal and informal networks and learned how the complex bureaucracy of the UN works through Africa, least developed, land-locked, G77 and other groups.
He identified Uganda’s interests and ensured that his country’s voice was heard through various channels including Ugandans’ participation in discussions to share their country’s experience particularly in Universal Primary Education and HIV/AIDS.
Butagira prepared well and delivered substantive statements in the General Assembly, Security Council and Economic and Social Council.
His exemplary performance was quickly noticed and he was sought after by many delegations when consultations got tough. His legal background, experience as a parliamentarian and above all as Speaker of Parliament served him extremely well.
He was elected to the vice presidency of the General Assembly which is charged with managing the sessions of that body; chairman of the Third Committee, a subsidiary organ of the General Assembly, responsible for social, cultural, humanitarian and human rights affairs.
As chairman, he broke the record by completing work earlier than any previous sessions because he resolved complex issues quickly.
Butagira also served as chairman of the Africa Group which rotates monthly among African ambassadors. Because of his admirable style of leadership, he was often asked by his fellow ambassadors to continue even when his term had ended while they were still discussing important matters where continuity was essential.
His outstanding leadership was also exhibited when he chaired complex meetings of the Organisation of Islamic Conference and the Commonwealth.
Above all, his investment in quiet diplomacy paid off when he negotiated the election of Uganda to the Security Council.
He started well in advance and by the time voting was up, Uganda’s seat on that prestigious body was almost guaranteed. One hundred and eighty four member states voted for Uganda.
His wife Lydia Butagira was besides him at critical moments when he presented his credentials and when the United Nations voted Uganda into the Security Council.
Butagira graduated in law from the University of East Africa in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. He earned a Masters Degree in Law at Harvard University, one of the premier institutions in the world.
Apart from practicing law, Butagira served as Member of Parliament, speaker of Uganda’s National Assembly and ambassador to Ethiopia before coming to the UN.
His rich expertise and experience prepared him well for a successful career at the UN where he has interacted effectively with 191 fellow ambassadors and representatives of the U N organs and non-governmental organizations.
The writer is a consultant with International organisations.