General Haji Abubaker Jeje Odongo, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uganda, has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Ministerial Meeting of the 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) taking place at the Commonwealth Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala.

General Odongo was appointed on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, during the official opening of the ministerial meeting, which was officiated by Rtd. Major Jessica Alupo, the Vice President of Uganda.

Gen. Odongo appreciated the participants for electing him to chair the Ministerial Meeting and commended the government of Azerbaijan for successfully completing its chairmanship, which he said was exemplary because the organization was associated with the hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said that with the continuous challenges affecting the member states, the objectives and principles of the NAM remain vital in the current situation.

“Considering the current challenges in the international realm, the objectives and principles of the Non- Aligned Movement remain as vibrant today as they were at the time of the commissioning of our organization. Uganda is committed and looks forward to working with all members to uphold and protect these principles,” Odongo said.

Gen. Odongo said that Uganda’s chairmanship will run under the vision of a “Stronger and United NAM that Contributes to a Better World for All”.

He said that the focus will be on international peace and security, fighting against terrorism, humanitarian differences, and sustainable development, among other issues.

The minister called for more cooperation and collaboration within the membership and urged members to work with Uganda in order to promote a stronger and more united NAM and ensure it contributes to a better world for all, because it will enable the organization remain relevant and influential in decision-making at the international level.