The Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, has cautioned Ugandans against politicizing the 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the Group of Seventy-Seven (G77+China) Summits, but to work together to make the hosting of the summits a success.
Minister Baryomunsi made the remarks from the Office of the Prime Minister Conference Room on Thursday, January 11, 2024, while addressing journalists about the upcoming summits of NAM and G77 to be held at the Commonwealth Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala from January 15-20, 2024, and January 21–23, 2024, respectively.
Dr. Baryomunsi asked Ugandans to put politics aside and unite to create a good impression on the outside world since Uganda is well known for being hospitable.
“I would like to call upon Ugandans to unite and put aside politics for a good impression, irrespective of our religious beliefs or political background, because we are all Ugandans,” Baryomunsi said.
The Minister assured Ugandans of the country’s readiness to host the two summits, adding that Uganda’s being selected to host the summits is a vote of confidence.
“Uganda is ready to host the NAM and G77 summits. The Convention Centre is complete at Speke Resort Munyonyo,” Dr. Baryomunsi noted.
He said that Uganda hosting the two high-level summits is a great opportunity that Ugandans should utilize. Minister Baryomunsi noted that over 5000 delegates are expected from over 100 countries, and 40 heads of government have already confirmed their attendance and will be contributing to the national economy through resource utilization.
“The delegates will use several hotels and buy several items as they move around to explore. Ugandans need to position themselves to tap into the opportunities. There will be a trade and investment forum organized at the Serena Hotel, where several investors will showcase their products. Several business deals worth USD 1million will be signed,” he said.
He further said that the summits will attract several tourists, thus increasing tourism and investment. He added that the President will hold various bilateral meetings with different delegates, which will strengthen ties among the countries.
On the issue of COVID-19 testing, the minister says it’s not a mandatory requirement since the rates have come down. He, however, said that COVID-19 testing services will be available.
Rose Namayanja, the NRM deputy Secretary General, said that the President of Uganda will be the chair, and this will put the country on a global stage and boost the economy generally.
“When you have a business forum, it will boost investment and job creation,” she said.
She noted that hosting the summits will help Uganda organise bigger events like the upcoming AFCON.
Nevertheless, Rtd Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi, the Minister of Security, assured the delegates and Ugandans of security.
“I would like to assure you that the country is secure and security agencies will be doing their work,” he stated.
Uganda will be hosting the 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) under the theme Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence and the 3rd South Summit of the Group of Seventy Seven China (G77+China) under the theme Leaving No One Behind.
The NAM summit comprised of 120 member states, and the G77+China summit which is made up of 134 member states, will tackle issues of peace and security, human rights, climate change, and dealing with post-COVID-19 effects, among others.
