As Uganda is preparing to host Non Aligned Movement (NAM) and G77+China summits, the Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has punched holes in the relevance of the two International Meetings, saying that NAM is no longer on the initial agenda for which it was established by its vision bearers and Ugandans shouldn’t expect much from them.
Lukwago who also doubles as President of FDC, Katonga faction said that NAM was established with a major objective of making developing countries have one voice, one block during the after the second world war so as to avoid the neocolonialism .
While addressing Journalist in the press briefing held at Katonga in Kampala, he said that the assembly for instance helped to fight and defeat the apartheid regime in South Africa because all member countries were united and marginalized the regime in that country then.
‘’The vision bearers, the likes of the late Kwame Nkuruma ,Julius Nyerere the former presidents of Ghana and Tanzania respectively were working with the Theme, sovereign states should gain NAM and marginalize counties that were oppressing it’s citizens, for instance people of member states were not allowed to go to South Africa because of the Apethied.’’ Lukwago explained.
He argued the delegates of the member states to focus on human rights in NAM block and in Uganda in particular the vice he said has deteriorated so much over the years and as the country is preparing to host such high level international meetings, there are many Ugandans whose rights are being abused because they are held in prisons and other detain centres without even court trial.
“ Nam should have asked about the level of human rights before deciding to be hosted in Uganda. Now the delegates should revisit the historical background of the block meeting in trying to find out how the vision bearers fought for African Independence, and Apartheid. This will help in coming up with ideas on how to fight new leaders who are oppressing fellow citizen in such member countries.’’ He advised.
The Lord Mayor also attacked government for pretending to be constructing roads as one of the activities being undertaken to prepare for these international meeting saying that most roads have not been worked on yet the budget was passed and a few days are remaining for the NAM delegates to start arriving.
Wavamuno Road that passes via Munyonyo Speke Resort Hotel is still under construction
Despite the Lord Mayor’s questioning of Uganda’s readiness to receive the NAM and G77+China summits, the minister of Information and National Guidance, Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi said that we are 99% ready.
While addressing reporters at Office of the Prime Minister, the minister said that advance teams have already arrived and over 100 member states and 10 organizations have confirmed their attendance and this constitutes to 80%. The NAM and G77+China have 135 member states.
Dr. Baryomunsi said although the covid19 virus is still around, the visitors will not be subjected to mandatory testing but the facilities have been set just for eventualities.
The Minister for Security Maj. Gen. Muhwezi Katunguka re-affirmed and assured public that the country is secure, despite what he called isolated incidences of ADF attacks which claimed a few lives in Kasese and Kamwenge districts of recent.
“ The ADF cells that were operating in Kampala Metropolitan were completely destroyed by our security forces and even their camps in DR. Congo were also dismantled that is why of recent they are targeting weak points like attacking tourists and schools.’’ Gen. Muhwezi reasoned.
He said that ADF remnants in the country is not a threat and can’t deter us from hosting International summits like NAM and G77+Chian Meetings which are slated to commence on January 16, 2024.
By George Bukenya.