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Global South urges shift in global balance of power

Dennis Francis, president of the UN General Assembly, said addressing the current global challenges requires creativity and consensus-building to fashion effective solutions…reports Asian Lite News

Leaders of developing countries gathered in the Ugandan capital of Kampala over the past week, reaching a consensus to promote South-South cooperation to enhance their capability of pursuing sustainable development, seek strength from unity and increase the role of the Global South in international affairs.

High-level representatives of more than 100 countries and heads of United Nations agencies attended the 19th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) that concluded on Saturday and the 3rd South Summit of the Group of 77 (G77) that wrapped up on Monday.

Participants said they are optimistic about the future of the Global South in world affairs, gearing up to influence the outcomes of the UN Summit of the Future scheduled for September in New York. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the September summit as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reinvigorate global action, recommit to fundamental principles, and further develop the frameworks of multilateralism so they are fit for the future.

In the outcome documents of the two summits, the countries of the Global South said they hope to play an influential role in shifting the balance of the geopolitical landscape from conflict, confrontation and mistrust to diplomacy, dialogue, peace and understanding.

NAM countries, in their declaration over the weekend, said they would positively contribute to the summit to enhance cooperation on critical challenges and address gaps in global governance.

Developing nations stressed that there is a need to reform the multilateral global governance architecture, including the United Nations and the international financial system. This reform would make the institutions fit for purpose, democratic, equitable, representative and responsive to the current global realities and the needs and aspirations of the Global South, according to the NAM Kampala Declaration.

They said the current violation of international laws and UN resolutions on the Israeli-Palestinian crisis, coupled with the unfair treatment of developing countries facing debt distress amid a slow-growing global economy, are the key issues that have revitalized the call for a reformed global system.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, who is also the chairperson of the NAM Summit, said the forum should be used to exercise considerable influence, particularly at the UN, for an effective transformative process. “In the negotiations for the Pact of the Future, the outcome document of the upcoming UN Summit of the Future, we should clearly define priorities that favor developing countries by maintaining unity, solidarity, and collective coordination among member states,” Museveni said.

Dennis Francis, president of the UN General Assembly, said addressing the current global challenges requires creativity and consensus-building to fashion effective solutions.

Francis said the current crises, ranging from the Ukraine-Russia, Israel-Palestine and those in Africa, raise questions about the relevance and value of the UN in terms of its ability to resolve global issues. He argued that the Summit of the Future will offer a historic opportunity to forge a new global consensus to transform the multilateral system to deliver better impact for people.

The Global South, according to Secretary-General Guterres, bears the responsibility of changing the form of the global system, noting that those who currently benefit from it are unlikely to lead its reform.

“We have a chance to cultivate a just, peaceful, and prosperous future, where no one is left behind. But for that, a lot needs to be changed and reformed. Together, let’s unite and fight to make that a reality,” Guterres told the 3rd South Summit on Sunday.

He urged the international community to reform and revitalize multilateralism so that it works for everyone, everywhere, and meets the challenges of today. “We rely on the G77 plus China to make the Summit of the Future a success. To seize this opportunity and to find common solutions. The summit will consider deep reforms of the international financial architecture,” the UN top envoy said.

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Ugandan President Lauds Contribution of Indian Diaspora

At the outset of his address, he also recognised India’s pivotal role in the establishment of the NAM group and the nation’s participation in the inaugural NAM summit in Belgrade in 1961…reports Asian Lite News

At the 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit in Kampala, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni expressed admiration for the substantial contributions made by Indian returnees to the economic development of his country.

Commending their noteworthy accomplishments, he said, “I was asking people how many factories have been built by our Indian returnees. They told me about the 900 factories that they had built since they came back.”

Reflecting on Uganda’s historical events, particularly the expulsion of Asians, primarily Indian Ugandans, during Idi Amin’s regime, President Museveni openly acknowledged the mistakes made by the government.

He said, “NAM countries also sometimes make mistakes like here in Uganda.” He recounted the adverse consequences of Amin’s actions, including the economic impact on his country. India during Amin’s time had cut ties with his regime due to his actions.

President Museveni noted the adverse impact of Amin’s decisions on the country’s economy, saying, “You had a leader of a NAM country undermining his own economy.” The expelled individuals were actively involved in various sectors, including sugar, hotels, and steel production.

Expressing remorse, the president lamented the lost opportunities for growth and development during that tumultuous period. President Museveni reflected on the measures undertaken by the Ugandan government to address and rectify past injustices.

“So therefore it is very crucial that we study very carefully the issue of the investment climate in our respective countries. When we kicked out all these people and we came into government, we brought back, we gave back the properties of our Asian citizens and non-citizens that Idi Amin had taken. We gave them back. We had a hot debate in parliament, some people saying this. We said, no, they must get back their properties. And they got their properties,” he added.

At the outset of his address, he also recognised India’s pivotal role in the establishment of the NAM group and the nation’s participation in the inaugural NAM summit in Belgrade in 1961.

“This group of countries, accounts for 4.46 billions of people of the World. It was started by our far-sighted elders in the persons of Sukarno of Indonesia, Pt Jawaharlal Nehru of India, Nasser of Egypt and Chou En Lai of China,” he said.

The first summit of NAM took place in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, in 1961 and was attended by: Afghanistan, Algeria, Burma, Cambodia, Ceylon, Congo, Cuba, Cyprus, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Lebanon, Mali, Morocco, Nepal, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Tunisia, United Arab Republic, Yemen and Yugoslavia, the President of Uganda said. (ANI)

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Jaishankar: Voice of Non-Aligned Movement is Here to be Heard

“The voice of the NAM is here to be heard. The voice of the NAM is here to stay and to grow. Let us send that message today”, Jaishankar said in India’s National Statement at the 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit in Kampala, Uganda, reports Asian Lite News

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called on the Non-Aligned Movement countries to challenge the concentrations undermining their economic security, adding that the voice of NAM is here to stay and grow.

In India’s National Statement at the 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit in Kampala, Uganda, the EAM also stressed the need for a reformed United Nations.

Addressing the summit, Jaishankar said, “The NAM has entered its seventh decade. In that period, the world has transformed and so too have our capabilities and confidence. We must be bolder in seeking our due and pressing our demands. The more we share, collaborate and reinforce each other, the more we will change the world”.

“The voice of the NAM is here to be heard. The voice of the NAM is here to stay and to grow. Let us send that message today,” he added.

He highlighted the multiple concerns being faced by the countries belonging to the Non-Aligned Movement such as climate change, the impact of Covid pandemic, multiple conflicts across the world, as well as the triad of debt, inflation and growth challenges.

“Underlying these serious concerns is the nature of the world we confront. We may have overthrown the yoke of colonialism, but we struggle with new forms of inequity and domination. In the era of globalisation, we see economic concentrations that treat the rest of the world as simply markets or resources…We are also subject to narratives of political correctness and universalism that do not give their due to our culture and traditions,” he said.

Taking to social media platform X, the EAM highlighted about his address at the summit, touching upon the issues like the conflict in Gaza and India’s Vishwa Mitra initiative.

“Delivered India’s statement at the 19th NAM Summit in Kampala today. Highlighted the challenges of Covid, conflict, climate change, debt and inflation. Emphasized the need for NAM to challenge concentrations that undermine our economic security. Argued for creating regional economic hubs and resilient supply chains. Spoke about India as Vishwa Mitra. 600 projects across 78 nations, Vaccine Maitri and First Responder actions are proof,” Jaishankar stated.

“On Gaza, stressed that the humanitarian crisis requires a sustainable solution that gives immediate relief. Terrorism and hostage taking are unacceptable. The conflict must not spread. NAM should seek a two-state solution. The more we share, collaborate and reinforce each other, the more NAM will change the world,” he added. (ANI)

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India Gifts Buses, Ambulances, Tractors to Uganda

Uganda was endorsed to chair the Non-Aligned Movement on behalf of Africa for the period from 2022 to 2025…reports Asian Lite News

In a warm gesture, India has gifted 10 executive buses, 5 ambulances, 10 tractors and 2664 flags/flag poles to Uganda ahead of the NAM (Non-aligned Movement) contact group summit, which will take place in Kampala this month.

It will be the 19th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement, which will be held this month.

In a post on social media platform X, the High Commissioner of India to Uganda wrote, “On behalf of Govt. of India gifted 10 executive buses, 5 ambulances, 10 tractors and 2664 flags/flag poles promised by EAM @DrSJaishankar to @GenJejeOdongo, Minister of Foreign Affairs @UgandaMFA, to support Ugandan side to host @NAM_Uganda & @G77Summit_Ug Summits.”

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uganda wrote on X, “The MFA @GenJejeOdongo

received a donated consignment of buses, ambulances, tractors and assorted flags for @NAM_Uganda and @G77summit_Ug plus observer nations and international organizations from the Republic of India at the Ministry Head quarters in Kampala -Uganda.”

“The items were delivered by the High Commissioner of India to Uganda, H.E Upender Singh Rawat ahead of the two Summits due for 15-20th and 21st &22nd January 2024 respectively at Speke Resort Hotel, Munyoyo -Kampala,” it added.

Uganda was endorsed to chair the Non-Aligned Movement on behalf of Africa for the period from 2022 to 2025.

Notably, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited Uganda in April last year and discussed cooperation in trade and investment, infrastructure, energy, defence, health, digital and agricultural domains.

“Discussed cooperation in trade & investment, infrastructure, energy, defense, health, digital and agricultural domains. Congratulated Uganda on assuming the chairship of the NAM and affirmed our strong coordination at multilateral forums including the United Nations,” Jaishankar wrote on X.

The NAM chair position rotates every three years during summit conferences. The chair of the movement is assisted by both the former and incoming chairs. According to the movement, this structure represents its past, present and future.

Azerbaijan chaired the NAM for the period between 2019 to 2022 having taken over from Venezuela.

The Non-Aligned Movement was formed in 1961 during the end of the colonial system and the independence struggles globally and at the height of the Cold War.

The NAM is composed of 120 member states from the developing world and is the largest forum for political coordination and consultation after and within the United Nations.

It is a forum not formally aligned with or against any major power bloc. (ANI)

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Kenya’s Benchmark Solutions Secures $11.6 Mn Funding for Ugandan Market

Established in 2007 with 300 members, the Mbarara Makhan Singh Market Landlords Association has seen its membership grow to 639 as it continues to oversee the management of the market….reports Asian Lite News

Benchmark Solutions Limited, an advisory firm specializing in structured trade and project financing based in Nairobi, has entered into an agreement for a funding arrangement totaling $11.633 million with Uganda’s Mbarara Makhan Singh Market Landlords Association (Limited by Guarantee). The allocated funds will be utilized for the redevelopment of the Mbarara Makhan Singh Market.

The agreement was signed in Nairobi by Benchmark Solution Chief Executive Officer Laura Akunga Muriithi Mwenje and Mbarara Makhan Singh Market Landlords Association Chairman Mr. Thomas Mukundane.

The signing was witnessed by Mr. Deus Nkwasibwe who represented the Office of the President (Uganda); Planbuild Technical Services Director Mr. Dennis Wandera; and Planbuild Technical Services Finance Officer Mr. Simon Jungu.  

Commenting on the agreement Ms. Akunga said: “Benchmark Solutions is pleased to be part of this important arrangement, which we believe is a significant step forward in the revitalization of the Mbarara Makhan Singh Market –  an iconic trading center that has been a cornerstone of Mbarara’s regional commerce since 1960.”

Established in 2007 with 300 members, the Mbarara Makhan Singh Market Landlords Association has seen its membership grow to 639 as it continues to oversee the management of the market.

The market is located on 1.67 acres of land in the heart of Mbarara City’s central business district. It comprises 67 lockup shops, 106 kiosks, 150 stalls, 16 restaurants, and 69 second-hand clothing shades. However, these facilities have fallen into a state of functional and economic obsolescence over the years.

The US$11.633 Million Real Estate Project Financing will be used to transform the existing market into a modern, seven-story shopping center featuring 280 lockup shops, 130 shelled rooms, 330 stalls, a daycare center, 30 toilet facilities, 60 underground parking bays, and 30 roadside parking bays.

“The aim of the project is to overhaul the market and so as to provide a conducive and contemporary environment for small-scale vendors within Mbarara Makhan Singh Market,” Mr. Mukundane said.

The renovation work is expected to be completed in a span of 28 to 36 months.

Benchmark Solutions Limited is a transactions advisory firm specializing in structured trade financing and project financing. IWith operations in 18 African countries and being members of International Loan Markets in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region, Benchmark Solutions Limited serves as an intermediary between international lenders, policy banks, commercial banks, non-bank financial institutions, private equity funds, and entities seeking to invest debt or equity in African governments, financial institutions, and privately owned companies across the African continent.

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Ugandan food science and nutrition pioneer awarded honorary degree

In her acceptance speech, Joyce thanked Dr. Olatunde Oluwatola from Nigeria for nominating her, the University of Reading for honouring her and said that this degree is a tribute to the Girl Child, not only in Uganda but the whole of Africa…reports Asian Lite News

An inspirational diplomat and academic, well known for her work to reduce poverty and childhood malnutrition in her home country of Uganda, has received an honorary degree from the University of Reading.

Professor Joyce Kakuramatsi Kikafunda is the High Commissioner of Uganda to India and also spearheaded the establishment of Uganda’s first ever Department of Food Science and Technology in 1989. She was awarded the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science at a ceremony last week.

Professor Kikafunda is one of  few female professors in Uganda. She was educated at Makerere University, one of Africa’s oldest and most prestigious universities, where she graduated with a BSc in Agriculture in 1976, receiving First Class honours. After further study in Canada, she went on to complete a PhD in Food Science and Nutrition at the University of Reading.

Her research was primarily focused on the risk factors for childhood malnutrition in rural areas of Uganda. After she discovered poor weaning practices were largely contributing to childhood nutrition in the country, Professor Kikafunda and her team worked with mothers to explain how a better diet could improve their children’s health and weight. After word spread, her work on the project “Gender Informed Nutrition in Agriculture” contributed to a reduction of child malnutrition in the western Region of Uganda from 21% to 11% in a period of just four years.

Professor Carol Wagstaff, Research Dean for Agriculture Food & Health at the University of Reading, said: “Joyce’s drive and determination to eradicate poverty and reduce childhood malnutrition in Uganda was instrumental in her establishing, along with colleagues, a unit of Food Science and Nutrition at Makerere University.

“The number of Ugandans studying for a degree in food and nutritional sciences has greatly increased since Joyce founded the Department more than thirty years ago, now elevated to the status of a School due to its strategic national importance. It is particularly notable how the opportunities instigated by Joyce have enabled more women of Uganda to access higher education and to be empowered by gaining a science-based degree level education.”

Professor Kikafunda’s achievements have been recognised both nationally and internationally. She was awarded the Nestle Nutrition Institute Africa Award in 2012 and became a member of the Board of Trustees of the International Rice Research Institute based in the Philippines from 2010-2015.

In her acceptance speech, Joyce thanked Dr. Olatunde Oluwatola from Nigeria for nominating her, the University of Reading for honouring her and said that this degree is a tribute to the Girl Child, not only in Uganda but the whole of Africa.

Between 2013-2016, Joyce was High Commissioner of Uganda to the UK, then High Commissioner to Australia 2017-2022, and she is currently High Commissioner to India. She is also a Founder and Member of Ugandan Action for Nutrition, and is often described as the ‘mother of food science and nutrition’ in Uganda.

ALSO READ-Over 40 killed by rebels in Uganda school attack

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Over 40 killed by rebels in Uganda school attack

Enang said many of the bodies were transferred to the Bwera Hospital, where the critically injured persons are also undergoing treatment…reports Asian Lite News

At least 40 people, mostly students, were killed and eight others critically injured after militants linked to Daesh terror group attacked a school in Uganda located near the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), police said on Saturday.

The attack took place at around 11.30 p.m. on Friday night at the Lhubiriha secondary school in Mpondwe, during which a dormitory was burnt and a food store was looted, reports the BBC.

In a statement, the police said the attack was carried out by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) — a DRC-based Ugandan rebel group which is a branch of the IS in Central Africa.

Police spokesperson Fred Enang said the Uganda People’s Defence Forces and the police are currently carrying out a search operation for the group who fled towards Virunga National park in the DRC after the attack.

The army has also deployed planes to help track the rebel group.

Enang said many of the bodies were transferred to the Bwera Hospital, where the critically injured persons are also undergoing treatment.

“We do offer our deepest condolences to the families of those who have been killed, and offer our prayers and thoughts to those who have been wounded,” he said, noting that more details will be availed in due course.

Meanwhile, Major General Dick Olum from the Ugandan army told the media that some of the male students were burnt or hacked to death, the BBC reported.

Others at the school, mostly girls, have been abducted by the group, he added.

Some of the bodies are said to have been badly burnt and DNA tests will need to be carried out to identify them.

The latest incident comes a week after suspected ADF fighters attacked a village in the DRC near the Ugandan border.

Over 100 villagers fled to Uganda but have since returned.

The attack on the school, located less than 2 km from the DRC border, is the first in 25 years.

In June 1998, 80 students were burnt to death in their dormitories in an ADF attack on Kichwamba Technical Institute near the border of DRC.

More than 100 students were abducted.

The ADF was created in eastern Uganda in the 1990s and took up arms against long-serving President Yoweri Museveni, reports the BBC. After its defeat by the Ugandan army in 2001, it relocated to North Kivu province in the DRC.

The group’s principal founder, Jamil Makulu, was arrested in Tanzania in 2015 and is in custody in a Ugandan prison. ADF rebels have been operating from inside the DRC for the past two decades.

In 2021, suicide bombings in Uganda’s capital Kampala and other parts of the country were blamed on the ADF.

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Uganda school attack: 40 killed by IS-linked militants

The police said the attack was carried out by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) — a DRC-based Ugandan rebel group which is a branch of the IS in Central Africa, reports Asian Lite News

At least 40 people, mostly students, were killed and eight others critically injured after militants linked to the Islamic State terror group attacked a school in Uganda located near the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), police said on Saturday.

The attack took place at around 11.30 p.m. on Friday night at the Lhubiriha secondary school in Mpondwe, during which a dormitory was burnt and a food store was looted, reports the BBC.

In a statement, the police said the attack was carried out by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) — a DRC-based Ugandan rebel group which is a branch of the IS in Central Africa.

Police spokesperson Fred Enang said the Uganda People’s Defence Forces and the police are currently carrying out a search operation for the group who fled towards Virunga National park in the DRC after the attack.

The army has also deployed planes to help track the rebel group.

Enang said many of the bodies were transferred to the Bwera Hospital, where the critically injured persons are also undergoing treatment.

“We do offer our deepest condolences to the families of those who have been killed, and offer our prayers and thoughts to those who have been wounded,” he said, noting that more details will be availed in due course.

Meanwhile, Major General Dick Olum from the Ugandan army told the media that some of the male students were burnt or hacked to death, the BBC reported.

Others at the school, mostly girls, have been abducted by the group, he added.

Some of the bodies are said to have been badly burnt and DNA tests will need to be carried out to identify them.

The latest incident comes a week after suspected ADF fighters attacked a village in the DRC near the Ugandan border.

Over 100 villagers fled to Uganda but have since returned.

The attack on the school, located less than 2 km from the DRC border, is the first in 25 years.

In June 1998, 80 students were burnt to death in their dormitories in an ADF attack on Kichwamba Technical Institute near the border of DRC.

More than 100 students were abducted.

The ADF was created in eastern Uganda in the 1990s and took up arms against long-serving President Yoweri Museveni, reports the BBC.

After its defeat by the Ugandan army in 2001, it relocated to North Kivu province in the DRC.

The group’s principal founder, Jamil Makulu, was arrested in Tanzania in 2015 and is in custody in a Ugandan prison.

ADF rebels have been operating from inside the DRC for the past two decades.

In 2021, suicide bombings in Uganda’s capital Kampala and other parts of the country were blamed on the ADF.

ALSO READ: US mulls visa curbs over Uganda’s anti-gay law

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US mulls visa curbs over Uganda’s anti-gay law

President of Uganda Yoweri Museveni has signed a new law, one of the world’s toughest anti-homosexuality measures, drawing widspread criticism from within the country and internationally….reports Asian Lite News

US President Joe Biden on Monday slammed Uganda president Yoweri Museveni for signing a new anti-homosexuality law, and called it a “tragic violation of universal human rights”. US President Biden also demanded for its immediate repeal.

Biden said that no one should have to live in fear for life or being subjected to violence and discrimination. President of Uganda Yoweri Museveni has signed a new law which mandates a 20-year term for “promoting” homosexuality and also prescribes for death penalty for certain behaviour including engaging in gay sex when HIV positive.

“The enactment of Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act is a tragic violation of universal human rights – one that is not worthy of the Ugandan people, and one that jeopardises the prospects of critical economic growth for the entire country. I join with people around the world – including many in Uganda – in calling for its immediate repeal. No one should have to live in constant fear for their life or being subjected to violence and discrimination. It is wrong,” Biden said in an official statement.

Biden also said that ever since the Anti-Homosexuality Act was introduced, reports of violence and discrimination targeting Ugandans who are or are perceived to be LGBTQI+ are increasing.

The US president also said that this shameful Act is the latest development in Uganda’s alarming human rights abuses and corruption trend. The dangers posed by this democratic backsliding are a threat to everyone residing in Uganda, including the US government personnel, the staff of our implementing partners, tourists, members of the business community and others.

Biden also said that he has directed the US National Security Council to evaluate the implication of this law on all aspects of US engagement with Uganda, including our ability to safely deliver services under the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and other forms of assistance and investments, according to an official statement of White House.

Uganda’s Speaker of Parliament Anita Among in a post Twitter on Monday said, “I now encourage the duty bearers under the law to execute the mandate bestowed upon them in the Anti-Homosexuality Act.”

“The People of Uganda have spoken, and it is your duty to now enforce the law in a fair, steadfast, and firm manner,” she said.

Same-sex relationships are prohibited in more than 30 African nations, including Uganda, but the new law goes considerably further in its discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) persons, as per Al Jazeera.

The approval of the law comes despite opposition from Western governments, businesses, and human rights activists, Al Jazeera reported.

The Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2023 was one of six pieces of legislation that Museveni’s office confirmed the president signed into law on Sunday.

US mulls visa restrictions

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said United States would consider visa restrictions against Ugandan officials and others for the abuse of human rights following the implementation of the anti-gay law.

“Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA) threatens the lives of its people as well as the country’s prosperity. The United States urges the immediate repeal of the AHA to protect the human rights of all Ugandans,” Blinken said.

He said Uganda’s failure to safeguard the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons is part of a broader degradation of human rights protections that puts Ugandan citizens at risk and damages the country’s reputation as a destination for investment, development, tourism, and refugees.

He said the State Department will develop mechanisms to support the rights of LGBTQI+ individuals in Uganda and to promote accountability for Ugandan officials and other individuals responsible for, or complicit in, abusing their human rights.

“I have also directed the Department to update our travel guidance to American citizens and to U.S. businesses as well as to consider deploying existing visa restrictions tools against Ugandan officials and other individuals for abuse of universal human rights, including the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons,” Blinken stated. (with inputs from ANI)

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India will take our issues to G20: Uganda

Ugandan High Commissioner Kikafunda expressed her views on India’s presidency of G20 and believes New Delhi can be the voice of Global South…writes Sahil Pandey

High Commissioner of Uganda to India Joyce Kakuramatsi Kikafunda on Saturday termed the visit of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to her country as beautiful and also said that India is going to be the voice of the Global South and it will bring her country’s issues to the G20.

Ugandan High Commissioner Kikafunda expressed her views on India’s presidency of G20 and believes New Delhi can be the voice of Global South.

“We believe that they (India) are going to be the voice of the South. India is already going to be a superpower. So we believe they (India) know our issues and they will bring them up and they are ahead of some big countries who have forgotten how it was. But we believe India will bring our voices, our issues or problems to the G20,” the Ugandan envoy elaborated.

Reflecting on Jaishankar’s visit, the Ugandan envoy told ANI, “The visit was beautiful. I actually accompanied him on that visit. Jaishankar had a beautiful visit. Our President doesn’t meet other ministers, he meets heads of state, but because of the relationship between Uganda and India, he met the visiting minister. India Opened the University of Forensic Sciences in Uganda for the first time ever outside India and the first one in Africa. So we are very proud and happy about it. It was a very good visit. The Minister of Foreign Affairs was very happy. And the minister left very happy and said that he loved Uganda and he will come back.”

Notably, EAM Jaishankar was on a visit to Uganda and Mozambique from April 10-15 to further strengthen India’s “strong bilateral relations” with the two countries.

She also spoke on the bilateral relationship between India and Uganda, “Our bilateral relationships are very good and strong, and they are focused on trade and investment,” Kikafunda added.

The envoy also mentioned that Uganda sees India as an elder brother and wants the relationship to continue along with development assistance.

“We don’t want just to trade, we want India to come and manufacture products in Uganda. We want the relationship to continue, also the development assistance, because we take India as our elder brother,” she added.

Kikafunda was participating in a women entrepreneurs conference hosted by Baroness Verma (Member of the House of Lords of the UK) on Saturday. (ANI)

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