For the next three years, the Foreign Affairs Committee of Parliament has suggested that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs be given two billion shillings and four billion shillings, respectively, for the G77+China and the Non-Aligned Movement’s post-summit operations.
Vice Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee and Pingire County MP Fred Opolot presented the recommendation before the House Budget Committee on Tuesday.
Currently, the Budget Framework Paper for 2024–2025 is being considered by Parliament.
Opolot informed the Budget Committee’s member states that no money was allocated for the post-summit events.
“Among other things, the secretariats overseeing the Non-Aligned Movement will be responsible for organizing and attending diplomatic and technical level meetings, as well as creating documents that comply with the outcome document,” stated Opolot.
In Uganda’s capacity as the NAM Chair for the next three years, he continued, part of the post-summit activities will involve travelling both domestically and internationally to take part in extraordinary sessions of the Council of Foreign Ministers and international conferences on environment, human rights, trade, and disarmament.
“It is noteworthy that these functions significantly influence broadening the market reach for our exports, drawing foreign direct investment, and ensuring the triumph of global events and partnerships,” stated Opolot.
Dickisons Kateshumbwa, the Member of Parliament for Sheema Municipality, questioned why the NAM and G77+China events are currently taking place yet the aforementioned activities are not included in the current budget.
The Bukanga County MP, Stephen Kangwagye, questioned why the Office of the President was in charge of organizing the summits in January yet the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should be given funding to oversee post-NAM summit operations.
The Ministry of Finance sent 5.6 billion Shillings to the Office of the President as part of the ongoing NAM activities in the nation, according to their report available here.
Who is providing the financing for the ongoing activities? Which is it—the President’s Office or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs?” Kangwagye enquired.
