In a significant stride for peace on the continent, Ambassador Rebecca Amuge Otengo, Uganda’s Permanent Representative to Ethiopia, Djibouti, the African Union (AU), and the UN Economic Commission for Africa, announced during the recent Ambassadors’ conference that Uganda has been re-elected to the African Union Peace and Security Council for the 2024-2026 term. This accomplishment, she noted, reflects the strong and steady ship of leadership helmed by President Yoweri K. Museveni in nurturing peace and security across Africa.
“Uganda has been a cornerstone in resolving conflicts across Africa, from South Sudan to Somalia, and most recently, in Sudan,” said Ambassador Otengo. Under President Museveni’s guidance, the African Union convened a crucial meeting of Heads of State on June 21, 2024, to tackle the Sudan crisis. Museveni’s appointment to lead a committee of five Heads of State to facilitate peace talks between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces underscores Uganda’s pivotal role in the African peacebuilding landscape.
In the realm of financing peace operations, Uganda’s relentless advocacy has borne fruit with the UN’s adoption of Resolution 2719 (2023). This resolution paves the way for African Union missions to secure up to 75% of their budget from UN assessed contributions, a significant leap toward sustainable peace operations on the continent.
Under Uganda’s stewardship, the African Union is now navigating the waters of a post African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) security arrangement. The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia is set to replace ATMIS, ensuring the continuity of stability efforts in the region.
Moreover, Uganda’s commitment to justice and human rights shines brightly with the election of Justice Duncan Gaswaga to the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, marking a victory for the Eastern Region in the quest for human rights across Africa. Uganda’s influence is further highlighted by its endorsement to serve as a Non-Permanent Member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2029-2030 term, showcasing the nation’s growing impact on global peace and security issues.
The African Union has also recognized Uganda’s leadership with the endorsement of Ms. Jessica Sengooba as the sole candidate for Assistant Secretary-General of the Pan African Postal Union in 2025, a testament to Uganda’s commitment to continental progress.
In a landmark decision initiated by Uganda, the AU has named coffee a Strategic Commodity of Africa, recognizing its potential to transform livelihoods across the continent, supported by a global trade value of USD 465 billion.
Furthermore, Uganda is fostering close ties with Ethiopia, particularly in trade sectors such as dairy, sugar, and pharmaceuticals. In 2023, Uganda’s exports to Ethiopia rose to USD 21.25 million, highlighting the nation’s focus on expanding trade relationships.
The Uganda Mission in Ethiopia remains a bustling hub, facilitating high-ranking officials’ visits and providing essential services for Uganda’s Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ministers. The mission continues to stand firm as a promoter of Uganda’s interests abroad, ensuring the nation’s voice resonates in the global arena.
As Uganda embarks on this new chapter in the African Union Peace and Security Council, the nation stands tall as a lighthouse of hope and resilience, guiding the continent toward a future of stability and peace.
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