As Uganda gears up to hosting two high level summits of the 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the Group of Seventy Seven + China Third South (G77+China), the government of Uganda has guaranteed the world of its readiness to make the summits a success in order to meaningfully contribute to the efforts of the global community in tackling shared challenges.
The Government through the Ministry of ICT & National Guidance has assured the world of its commitment to provide the delegates and all other stakeholders with first class and 24-hour internet connectivity throughout the summits.
This was revealed by Aminah Zawedde, the Permanent Secretary (PS) for the Ministry of ICT & National Guidance on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, during the Media Launch of the 19th NAM and the 3rd South Summits due to take place from January 15-20 and 21-23, 2024, respectively at the Commonwealth Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala, as Uganda will be assuming the Chairmanship of NAM for three years from 2024-2027 and chair the G77 in 2024.
According to the PS ICT, the government has upgraded the internet at Entebbe International Airport, the main venue, and one of the hotels that will act as a venue for the media fraternity, to WIFI six which is reliable with high accessibility and a robust protected link to support the summits proceedings including live coverage, and a smooth live streaming online thus efficient connectivity.
“We have been able to upgrade WIFI at the Airport to WIFI six, and it’s one of the top and highest WIFI access that we have. So, we are certain and assured of efficient connectivity at the Airport. The main venue at Munyonyo and the media centre that will be allocated to the media team at one of the hotels will as well be upgraded to WIFI six,” Zawedde said.
In line with cyber security, Zawedde noted that, a framework to support the safety of the summits proceedings has been set.
She further noted that, the developed websites for NAM (https://nam.go.ug/) and G77 (https://www.g77.org/) summits which are currently running have been set with the strong protection apparatus which she called an application file, to ensure that all the content is safe and secure.
The PS hinted on sensitization of all organizing entities in regards to the summits, which she said is being done for all National Organizing Committee (NOC) members, adding that, several stakeholders and the media have been engaged in preparation for the summits.
Lucy Nakyobe, the Chief Executive Officer for NOC of NAM and G77 said that, China government have donated 70 SUVs to the government in addition to other 70 that were previously given, stating that they are already in the country. She added that the government organized the requisite motor vehicles for the two summits.
On works, Nakyobe noted that, the government has embarked on road construction and maintenance works in preparation for the summits, citing that road construction has been done and drainage improved.
“Road works are ongoing and there are improvements on drainage and flood management. There has been an improvement in street lighting and as you might have noticed, there’s a lot of construction going on around the city and Entebbe road. We hope all this will be ready for the summits,” she noted.
She noted that, the construction of the multi-purpose Convention Centre is on course and will be ready at the time of hosting the summits.
The CEO said that, Entebbe International Airport is undergoing several extension works including the main terminal, construction of the new VVIP parking which will be ready for use.
Security wise, Nakyobe assured the public that the country is secure and ready to host the delegates. She, however, cautioned the public to remain vigilant to keep the security tight.
She commented on trade saying that Uganda will be holding a trade exhibition and the East African market during the summits, to promote trade, tourism and investment of the country to be held from January 15-18, 2023, at Kampala Serena Hotel.
She added that, the trade exhibitions will provide space for various companies to showcase their products.
On security, Ambassador Adonia Ayebare, the Deputy Chairperson of NOC for the two summits applauded the security agencies for the commendable job done towards the preparation of the summits.
He said that police will be passing out a unit that will specifically be dealing with the two high level summits, adding that, they have a joint coordination committee at the highest level and are putting up all the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of the dignitaries.
John Mulimba, the State Minister for Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Affairs said that, the ministry will support Uganda’s mission abroad where NAM and G77 offices exist, pointing out New York, Geneva, Addis Ababa, and Nairobi, among others.
For the NAM Chapter in Vienna, the minister unveiled plans to open up an embassy to address NAM Chapter.
NAM and G77 were started with an aim to avoid popularization of First World countries but also avoid colonization of African countries that were fighting for their independence. The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) will run under the theme Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence, whereas the G-77 South Summit will be held under the theme Leaving No one Behind.
The groups were also started to ensure respect of human rights and equality of all nations, and respect of justice for the UN as well as defend the rights of developing countries. As a result, NAM is determined to make strides towards supporting and promoting the interests of developing countries.
The vision of Uganda’s chairmanship for NAM will point to A Stronger and United NAM that contributes to a Better World that for all, and theming under Working towards Strengthening NAM over the Three Year Period is a Call for Cooperation and Collaboration within NAM Membership.
The 19th NAM and 3rd South Summit +China are foreseen to boost Uganda’s trade, tourism and investment, and provide Uganda with a distinctive opportunity to be at the center of global affairs, support and promote the interests of developing countries.
