By Rédaction Africa Links 24 with
Published on 2024-01-17 22:08:32
The government of Uganda is set to continue executing activities related to the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) as the chair for the next three years. This decision comes after the country has already spent over Shs 60 billion to host the ongoing NAM and the upcoming G77+China summit. In order to support the post-summit activities over the next three years, the government is seeking an additional Shs 6 billion in funding.
During a review of the 2024/2025 Budget Framework Paper (BFP), parliament’s foreign affairs committee vice chairperson Fred Opolot highlighted the need for funds to support the post-summit activities. These activities include hosting and participating in meetings at diplomatic and technical levels, preparing documents, and traveling both locally and internationally to participate in various conferences and sessions. These activities are crucial for increasing market access for exports, attracting foreign direct investment, and ensuring the success of international engagements and occurrences.
However, some members of parliament raised concerns about the lack of funds allocated for these activities in the current budget of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They questioned why the ministry had not received funds to support the NAM and G77+China events, especially since these events were already underway.
Additionally, MPs expressed concerns over the failure of the government to allocate funds for membership subscriptions to international organizations, with outstanding arrears accumulating to Shs 42 billion. Some of the outstanding arrears include debts owed to organizations such as the World Food Programme, the UN Peacekeeping Operations and Tribunals, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, among others.
Overall, the government is seeking financial support to continue its responsibilities as the chair of NAM for the next three years and to address outstanding arrears with international organizations. The allocation of funds for these purposes will be crucial in ensuring Uganda’s successful participation in international events and its continued engagement with the global community.
Read the original article on The Observer
