By Frank Kamuntu

As Uganda gears up to host the 19th Non Aligned movement (NAM) conference and G-77 Summit in January 2024, a group of foreign relations experts under the Uganda Council on Foreign Relations (UCFR) have urged President Yoweri Museveni the host, to use the platforms to champion for equal opportunities, shared values, and respect for the sovereignty of African countries, just like late Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe and Col Muama Gadaffi used to seize every opportunity to champion the African cause. The experts believe that such a stance is crucial to achieving global peace and stability.

This initiative arises against the backdrop of mounting criticism directed at Uganda from the Western world, notably the United States following the enactment of the Anti-Homosexuality Law with persistent sanctions imposed by the United States against key players involved in passing the legislation, as a condition for its repeal.

The experts conveyed their views during a meeting held on December 9, 2023, at Fairway Hotel in Kampala which was attended by among other notable figures; Pamela Mbabazi, Chairperson National planning Authority, Ambassador Francis Katana , Executive Director Uganda Council on foreign relations, Ambassador Odida Philip, Ag. Director regional/International partnerships Ministry of Foreign Affairs among others.

During the meeting, Dr. Kansiime Jerome, an international relations expert, emphasized that Uganda, during its three-year NAM chairmanship, should take a stand against imperialism and the persistent interference of the West in the affairs of developing nations.

Other participants in the discussion also highlighted how Western powers employ economic measures such as sanctions, selective development support, and coercive lobbying to exert influence over other countries, citing examples such as the tensions and economic wars between China and USA, NATO and Russia.

Further more, Mr. Mafabi David, the Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Duties, criticized the West, particularly the United States, for imposing their cultural values under the guise of aid, citing the recent cancellation of the African Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA) agreement.

According to UCFR, these discussions were a continuation of a dialogue held on November 14, 2023, with the Nordic Africa Institute under the theme “Deepened Cooperation for Shared Affluence: Prospects for Uganda’s Upcoming Chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement.”

The dialogue highlighted key issues facing the NAM, its potential role in promoting multilateralism, the opportunities and constraints Uganda will face hosting the NAM and what Uganda can prioritize in its role as NAM host and subsequently chair.

The two upcoming summits present a crucial opportunity for President Museveni to address key issues, including;

Uganda and Africa’s foreign-policy interests aligned with those of NAM and G-77+China members.
Uganda’s opportunity to guide the strategic foreign policy direction of 120 NAM members.
Uganda’s critical task of leading the pursuit of the shared multilateral needs and interests of more than two-thirds of the world’s population.
Strengthening Non-Aligned member countries’ diplomatic and economic relationships now and in the future.
cooperation to resolve global-level, regional, sub regional, conflicts and engaging “Big Powers” involved in such conflicts.
Consolidating China-South, India-South, and South-South cooperation.
Strengthening NAM-BRICs and G77-BRICS cooperation.
Addressing Climate Change threats.
Strengthening global efforts against transnational terrorism, radicalization and pandemics.
Strengthening technology, capital, technical, and foreign-direct investment transfers to the Global South.
Prioritizing socioeconomic, techno-scientific, and infrastructure development of the Global South, among others.

The NAM Summit is scheduled for January 15 to 20, 2024, at Speke Resort Munyonyo Convention Center in Kampala, followed by the 3rd South Summit of the Group of 77 and China (G-77+China).

Uganda will assume the chairmanship of NAM for three years (2024–2027) and G-77+China for one year (2024-2025).

See Pictorial Below