'Uganda did not betray Kenya over AU job'

Kenyan foreign minister, Ambassador Amina Mohammed

Uganda has denied claims that it betrayed Kenyan foreign minister, Ambassador Amina Mohammed, resulting in her losing the African Union (AU) chairpersonship in the just concluded AU elections.

Being a member of East African Community (EAC), Uganda was expected to stand in solidarity with the Kenyan candidate but apparently did not, according to some media reports.

Mohammed was beaten to the seat by her Chad counterpart, Moussa Faki, who takes over from Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma of South Africa.

Following the controversial vote, Kenya through State House spokesperson Manoah Esipisu gracefully admitted defeat, promising to work with the new chairperson. However, it later emerged that Kenya felt betrayed and some reports quoting Mohammed said Kenya wanted its neighbours [Uganda and Tanzania] investigated for betraying their fellow member of EAC.

In statement seen by New Vision, Uganda has, however, dismissed betrayal allegations as baseless.  "Uganda wishes to state categorically that our support to the candidature of Ambassador (Dr) Amina Chawahir Mohammed before and during the elections yesterday [Monday] was unequivocal.

This was premised on the fact that Uganda enjoys bilateral relations with the sister country of Kenya and Ambassador Amina Mohammed was our endorsed East African candidate," the statement from the foreign affair ministry said.

"Uganda therefore rejects any baseless assertions by some sectors of the media questioning our commitment to the said candidate," added the statement.

Uganda called upon the people of Kenya to forget the allegations and work together [with Uganda] in bid to strengthen the EAC integration.

Monday's AU elections come six months after they were called off, reportedly after all contenders failed to garner the required two thirds majority. This was after some countries, mainly from West Africa abstained from the vote.

Uganda's candidate Specioza Wandira Kazibwe for the AU chairpersonship suffered early setback after she was voted out, in a race won by Dr. Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi of Botswana. Although she was required to stand again, Kazibwe pulled out paving way for Mohammed to come into the contest.