October 2025 | Speke Resort, Munyonyo, Kampala
Uganda has once again taken the global spotlight as it hosted the Senior Officials’ Meeting of the XIX Midterm Ministerial Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) at Speke Resort, Munyonyo. The high-level gathering brought together Excellencies, Heads of Delegations, and distinguished delegates from across NAM Member States to review progress and reinforce the outcomes of the 19th NAM Summit, which Uganda hosted in January 2024 under the theme “Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence.”
In her opening address, Uganda reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to advancing the resolutions of the 19th Summit and strengthening the Movement’s collective voice on global issues. As Chair of the NAM Coordinating Bureau, Uganda underscored the importance of unity, solidarity, and principled engagement among Member States, particularly in an era marked by growing geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty.
“It is only through unity, solidarity, and a common purpose that we can project a clear, strong, and coordinated voice on the issues that affect our nations in today’s increasingly complex and volatile global environment,” the statement read in part.
The meeting emphasized the effective implementation of NAM’s shared decisions on peace and security, sustainable development, human rights, and international cooperation—calling on all delegations to engage constructively in negotiations and uphold the Movement’s foundational principles.
Reaffirming the Question of Palestine
A central focus of the address was the Question of Palestine, which remains a cornerstone of NAM’s collective agenda. Uganda reiterated the Movement’s principled position in defending the rights of the Palestinian people, calling for continued engagement through the United Nations system and the implementation of the Two-State Solution. Delegates were urged to maintain sustained humanitarian and economic support to rebuild Palestinian institutions and infrastructure, laying a foundation for lasting independence.
Revitalizing South–South Cooperation
On the economic front, Uganda urged Member States to revitalize South–South cooperation as a strategic pathway for addressing global inequalities. The speech highlighted the persistent barriers developing countries face in accessing fair markets and financing, noting that Least Developed Countries (LDCs) still struggle with low industrial output and limited manufacturing capacity.
Encouragingly, the geography of global trade is shifting in favour of the Global South. According to UNCTAD, South–South merchandise trade has grown from US$0.6 trillion in 1995 to over US$5.6 trillion in 2023, signalling expanding opportunities for interregional collaboration and shared prosperity. Uganda called on NAM Member States to leverage this momentum by fostering industrialization, innovation, and regional integration.
A Call for Constructive Engagement
In closing, Uganda’s message was one of solidarity, cooperation, and pragmatic action. The Chair called upon all delegations to deliberate in the spirit of consensus and shared responsibility, ensuring that the Movement’s outcomes translate into tangible progress for the peoples of the Global South.
“Let our discussions reflect the urgency of our time and the pressing need for coordinated action. Only by working together—with purpose and solidarity—can we achieve meaningful results for our peoples and future generations.”
The Senior Officials’ Meeting marks another milestone in Uganda’s leadership of the Non-Aligned Movement, reinforcing its diplomatic commitment to multilateralism, peace, and equitable global development.
