The much-anticipated Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit began on January 15, 2024, at the Speke Resort Convention Centre in Munyonyo, a suburb of Kampala. Despite a few technical hitches, the opening session proceeded smoothly. The convention center, a state-of-the-art structure, hosted senior officials and delegates from 120 NAM member countries.
Representatives from various nations, including the United Arab Emirates, Somalia, Egypt, Pakistan, and Mauritania, graced the occasion. The impressive venue, featuring two water fountains at the entrance, provided a picturesque backdrop for guests capturing moments before the 9 am plenary session.
Inside the 4,400-seat auditorium, the flags of NAM member countries adorned the surroundings, showcasing the diversity of the participating nations. The newly furnished and carpeted center, reflecting recent completion, encountered some microphone issues during the proceedings. Ambassador Adonia Ayebare, the permanent representative of Uganda to the United Nations, acknowledged the glitches, stating, “Brand new things are always good but they have their teething issues.” He assured that the technical problems would be resolved before the Economics and Social Committee’s return for a closed-door meeting.
The Foreign Affairs minister, Gen Jeje Odongo, officially inaugurated the summit, emphasizing the importance of addressing existing, new, and emerging issues collectively for the benefit of the NAM membership and humanity. The summit, themed “Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence,” is scheduled to run until January 19.
Outside the auditorium, activity buzzed with Ms Lucy Nakyobe, the chairperson of the NAM National Organizing Committee, overseeing preparations. Security, both within and outside the convention center, was robust, with military and police personnel deployed to ensure a secure environment. Cleaners diligently maintained the center’s cleanliness, contributing to the overall smooth conduct of the event.
