How NAM, G-77 and IGAD Summits tackled realities affecting Nations.

By Ivan Kaahwa and Tony Kent Kyazze

While the Secretary General of the UN António Guterres called for the upholding and respect of human rights regardless of race and sex origin, his response sounded vague when he responded to a Ugandan Journalist who requested for his comment on the sanctions slapped on Ugandan Leaders over the passing of the Anti – Homosexual act.

His response was a generalized view which many leaders have made over time since the hyped debate on the global scene, yet a clear response is needed as to whether it is right to subject certain values onto a sovereign state like Uganda which has pronounced itself on legalizing acts of same sex relationships.

Whereas it was a positive venture for Uganda to host the Non – Aligned movement and G-77 + China Summits; it is important to reflect on whether the issues affecting the host country were actually weighed in to find lasting solutions.

Uganda has suffered Terrorist attacks by the Al shabab, the ADF and components of ISIS. Plus Isolated incidents of Human rights violations and Kidnaps etc. President Yoweri Museveni was clear all through calling upon western allies to respect the sovereignty and the integrity of independent states while *urging them to desist from imperialistic tendencies of threats when countries like Uganda fail to adopt their ideologies.

While Museveni has been clear on upholding respect of Sovereign Nations, the international community has not denounced itself from imperialistic tendencies on Uganda. The question that arises is whether there is willingness to create parallel governance between Africa and the West, while in conferences, statements made are good for the ear but different from the realities happening.

Fortunately Museveni assumed the chairmanship of both the NAM from Azerbaijan and G-77 from Cuba which is a clear platform to pass on the message of focusing on promoting the integrity of independent countries and govern their territories with all its capable might. South Sudan was also admitted into the NAM bringing the number of countries to 121 which is a good move to further strengthen the approach towards ensuring peace prevails on the African Soil.

While these conferences happened in Uganda including the IGAD summit, countries like Sudan announced exit from the IGAD which is a clear indication of parallel ideologies in governance. this move alone challenges the call for Africa to have a strong bloc that can enhance free trade and movement while strengthening Africans’ strength to defend her territory from invasion. It should also be a worry that Ethiopia deliberately avoided to attend the IGAD summit which highlighted and called for a ceasefire on the conflict with Somalia. IGAD Called upon Ethiopia and Somalia to de-escalate tensions and engage in constructive dialogue, but how does this make sense when one of the affected country is absent in such important discussions.

While there is commitment by Uganda’s President to unite African countries through each and every opportunity available through movements, blocs and Organizations, some African leaders are physically communicating contrary by exiting blocs and abstention from meetings geared towards enabling political dialogue.

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