The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Uganda, having recently assumed the chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), is requesting UGX 15 billion to support its coordinating activities during the three-year term. This request was presented to Parliament’s Budget Committee by Mr. Fred Opolot, the chairperson of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee.
Uganda is currently hosting the 19th Summit of the NAM, followed by the G77+ China summit. As the chair of NAM, Uganda will play a crucial role in coordinating and managing the affairs of the Movement for three years, followed by a one-year chairmanship of the G77+ China summit.
Mr. Opolot emphasized that the requested funds are specifically for post-NAM activities, covering the three-year period of Uganda’s chairmanship. He explained that the head office would require UGX 4 billion over the three years, while missions abroad would need UGX 11 billion for the same duration. These funds are essential for various activities, including research, meetings, and mini-summits throughout the chairmanship.
Dr. Sam Omara, the head of public diplomacy, supported the need for funds, highlighting activities such as follow-up conferences and negotiations on issues like climate change, which require financing.
However, questions arose during the committee session regarding the delayed budget request. The government has already spent approximately UGX 60 billion to organize the NAM summit. Mr. Dicksons Kateshumbwa, Sheema Municipality MP, asked the Committee on Foreign Affairs to clarify how spending these funds would benefit the country in terms of commercial diplomacy and return on investment.
Mr. Stephen Kangwagye (Bukanga South) sought clarification on the funding of ongoing NAM activities within the country. Mr. Opolot clarified that the requested funds are not for organizing the summit but for the subsequent three years of Uganda’s chairmanship.
He stressed the importance of Uganda chairing the NAM, suggesting that it would enhance market access for exports, attract Foreign Direct Investment, promote tourism, and attract investors to Uganda. This move comes against the backdrop of perpetual underfunding of foreign missions, affecting diplomatic activities, as highlighted in a report by the budget committee last year. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs faced a 40 percent budget cut in the 2023/2024 financial year.
